Web security is the act of keeping a business’s network safe from malicious software, also known as malware, that can find its way into a business’s infrastructure from the internet. It is a key method to keeping data protected, keeping businesses trustworthy, and stopping cybercrime in its tracks.
What skills are learned in web security?
The base skills taught in web security are mainly helping employees keep themselves and the business safe when it comes to working with the internet and potentially dangerous emails and messages that might not be all that they seem. It can help block many web-based attacks. A good example of this is Scareware.
What is scareware?
Scareware is a tactic used by cybercriminals to create a sense of fear and unease and make the victim doubt themselves. You have probably seen this sort of thing when browsing YouTube or other sites. A message or an advert might come up and have a message on it that reads something along the lines of: “multiple viruses have been detected on your device!”. Not overly convincing, but enough to make you aware of the possibility.
This is scareware. All a victim now needs to do is click on the ad, and they will either be prompted to download the ‘anti-virus’ software that either might just be useless to anyone but the perpetrator, or might actually be malware, or they will be taken to a malicious website.
This is a tactic made to make the victim feel very vulnerable and build a very sudden trust with the perpetrator.
How can scareware be avoided?
Unfortunately, scareware is everywhere. All you need to do generally is ignore it and not click on it. It is one of those things that things like web security works against, and even if these things are accidentally clicked on, or it is a last-minute pop-up, you might find that web security can help you defend against it.
Can web security be used for any other sort of threat?
Web security is something that can also be applied to phishing attempts and baiting, which are equally as dangerous as scareware and can come in all shapes and sizes. Baiting might come in a similar format to scareware, or it can be something completely different. Phishing will almost always come in the form of emails or texts, but not always. This can be a struggle to work with, and it can be stressful to go up against any of them. To learn more about web security and what it can do for businesses of all shapes and sizes, visit the Proofpoint website.
Final thoughts
Web security is a tool that can help businesses tackle many threats, especially against web-based attacks and sources of malware, such as scareware, some phishing attacks, and some forms of baiting. It can help teach and protect employees within a business about online safety and security, such as not clicking on suspicious advertisements or blindly trusting emails that seem a little bit ‘off’.
