Home / Security / Risks and Threats

Risks and Threats to Cyberspace

The risks and threats to your computer and to cyberspace are real. You should know and understand the risks you face so that you can thwart would-be hackers, information thieves and cyber-terrorists.

Loss of Financial and Personal Information

One reason a hacker might want to access your computer is to steal the personal information stored on it. A hacker could use that information to commit identity theft. Hackers who discover your credit card numbers, Social Security number or bank account numbers may use the information to run up charges in your name. Or they may sell the information to other identity thieves. If you're a victim of identity theft, visit the FTC's ID Theft page or the Privacy Rights Clearing House ID Theft page. It's more likely that ID thieves will steal your identity using information from sources other than the Internet. Visit the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse Web site for information on offline sources of identity theft.

Cyber-terrorism

Cyber-terrorists always launch their attacks from other computers that they hijack. Once they have control over a computer linked to the Internet -- maybe yours -- they launch attacks on Web sites and even the nation's financial, electric, defense and energy infrastructure.

Viruses

Viruses can cause damage to your computer, the information stored on your computer and can spread from your computer to your friends' computers. Viruses are most often spread by email. Follow our Tips to learn how to recognize potential virus-laced email messages. Use anti-virus software to prevent viruses from infecting your computer and damaging your information.

Computer Damage

Hackers and viruses can damage your computer, resulting in loss of information and loss of your computer.

For more about the Federal Trade Commission's Info Security Campaign and Dewie visit the FTC's information security page.