Computer Security Threats (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 20 Apr, 2026

Security threat is any potential danger that can harm a computer system, network, or stored data. These threats may cause data loss, system damage, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. With the increasing use of digital technologies, protecting computer systems from such risks has become essential.

Types of Threats

Types of Security Threats

1. Physical Threats

Physical danger to computer systems is a potential cause of an occurrence/event that could result in data loss or physical damage. It can be classified as:

• **Internal: Short circuit, fire, non-stable supply of power, hardware failure due to excess humidity, etc., cause it.
• **External: Disasters such as floods, earthquakes, landscapes, etc. cause it.
• **Human: Destruction of infrastructure and/or hardware, thefts, disruption, and unintentional/intentional errors are among the threats.

2. Non-physical threats

A non-physical threat is a potential source of an incident that could result in:

• Hampering of the business operations that depend on computer systems.
• Sensitive - data or information loss
• Keeping track of other's computer system activities illegally.
• Hacking id & passwords of the users, etc.

The non-physical threads can be commonly caused by:

• **Malware: Harmful software that secretly enters a system without the user’s knowledge. It can damage files, steal data, or disrupt normal functioning.
• **Virus: A program that attaches itself to files and spreads to other systems. It can corrupt or delete data and slow down the computer.
• **Spyware: Software that secretly monitors user activities and collects personal information. It is often used for data theft or spying.
• **Adware: Tracks user browsing behavior and displays unwanted advertisements. It may also collect data for marketing purposes.
• **Worms: Self-replicating programs that spread across networks without user action. They consume system resources and slow down performance.
• **Trojan: Malicious software disguised as a useful or legitimate program. Once executed, it can steal data or take control of the system.
• **Denial of Service (DoS): An attack that floods a system with excessive requests. This makes the system unavailable to legitimate users.
• **Phishing: A method used to trick users into sharing sensitive information. It usually happens through fake emails, messages, or websites.
• **Keyloggers: Programs that record every keystroke made by a user. They are used to steal passwords, banking details, and other sensitive data.

Steps to secure your System

To protect computer systems from security threats, users should follow the following safety measures:

• **Keep Data Backups: Regularly back up important files to prevent permanent data loss.
• **Install and Update Firewall: Firewalls help block unauthorized access to computer systems.
• **Use Strong Passwords: Strong passwords should include: Uppercase and lowercase letters, Numbers, Special characters.
• **Install Antivirus and Anti-Spyware: Security software helps detect and remove malicious programs.
• **Perform Regular System Scans: Scanning the system helps identify hidden malware or suspicious activities.
• **Verify Software Before Installation: Always check the authenticity of software before installing it.
• **Be Careful with Email Attachments: Avoid opening attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
• **Keep the System Updated: Regular updates fix security vulnerabilities and improve system protection.