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Internet scams are one of the most discussed issue of the modern world. While man is moving forth in all walks of life, so are our security concerns. While we had bolts and locks for our doors in the earlier days, we now need highly sophisticated applications to protect us while we are online. Attacks range from malwares to scams. Not only business networks and banks, scams aiming at individuals are also increasing every morning. Here are some basic tips to be aware of to protect yourself while you are online especially in a world, where every 2 out of 7 persons are frequent users of Internet. Starting from the age of 5 we see humans spending hours on computer screens. And therefore taking enough security measures are also very important while you spend your time online.

1. Beware of Internet Scams - Internet Scams are particularly intended to attack individuals at a large scale. They might reach you through your social network profiles or emails. There are various types of Internet Scams, such as the 'Relief Campaign Scams', 'Lottery Scams', 'Nigerian 419 Scams', etc.
Have you ever received mails asking for donations to rescue disaster hit victims? Or mails claiming that you have won a lottery worth a million dollars? Or a Nigerian Prince asking your help to allocate his money? If you are an internet user, you definitely would have come across anyone of these. This is one among the most common type of Internet Scams that are going viral in today's world.

The human mind that is filled with empathy and mutual compassion is being challenged here. While we hear that our brothers are suffering at another corner of the world, won't we feel pleased? It is really easy to convince a light hearted guy that the people are suffering of a disaster. Millions are being cheated this way, while the scam authors fill their bank accounts with lots of donations. While you hear that you have won a lottery worth millions, isn't that a good news, at-least for the first time you received such a mail? Yes definitely your mind gets emotionally challenged at that moment.

How to protect yourself?
Do not reply or respond to unknown emails or business proposals. Discard such messages and make sure that you mark them as spam. Donations and business proposals can be made using lot of other verified websites instead of these unknown sources.

2. Beware of phishing sites and software - Phishing sites and software account for about 20% of the entire internet based fraudulence. Phishing sites are nothing but websites that are designed to steal your valuable data. These can be websites that are designed similar to your bank's website which asks you to enter your personal banking details, and once you enter them you are trapped. They can also be software that can be installed onto your computer that tracks your online activities. Once they gain access to track your activity, it is easy to gather relevant data to attack you. Hence make sure that you do not grant permissions to unknown applications to be installed on your computer and to have an updated antivirus or anti-spyware application.

How to protect yourself?
Always check whether you are using a secure site by verifying the 'https' part before the website address. Always have an updated antivirus or anti spyware application. Do not disclose your personal data to unauthorized websites or personnel.

3. Protect yourself from Malwares - Malware, short for malicious software, is any software used to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems. It can appear in the form of executable code, scripts, active content, and other software. 'Malware' is a general term used to refer to a variety of forms of hostile or intrusive software. As mentioned earlier, the work similar to phishing sites and software. Even though their mode of operand is a bit different, the entire story line is the same.

How to protect yourself?
Always check whether you are using a secure site by verifying the 'https' part before the website address. Always have an updated antivirus or anti spyware application. Do not disclose your personal data to unauthorized websites or personnel.

Have a safe time online..!