Disadvantages of the internet: Viruses and Pop-ups

One thing I have have not realised is that since I have been born into a world of computers and have them easily accessible to me I have been assuming the world is computer literate. But the fect is the world isn.t, and this is why some individuals take advantage of the people who aren’t by hacking into their computers, corrupting their software  or sending them viruses. For this reason programmers have made anti-virus software to make sure people who are not as capable with computers can browse the internet safely. There is a major concern about online shopping related to credit card information, as some hackers can retrieve the information before it is sent to the desired address meaning they can access your account and steal you money. While the benefits of anti-virus software is evident by minimising these chances from happening, but they come at a high price ranging from 40 pounds and more people need to decide if the security is really necessary and if they can pay that much for some software.

While I am online on the computer I sometimes notice pop-up messages appearing on-screen. “Congratulations you have won” “Click here for you free prize”  Why do people make these fake icons? I think it’s to take advantage of people who are less aware of the ‘bad things’ in the internet. This will be done by asking for the users email address and several others personal details, these details may then be sent anywhere on the internet or be sent spam mail to. This is a direct breach of the Computer misuse act (1990) and is a crime to take and give away personal people’s information without their consent.

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