Network Security: The Importance of Protection Against Computer Viruses and Phishing

Today, computers and the internet are a big part of everyday life. We use them for

school, work, shopping, and banking, which makes it important to keep our

systems and personal information safe. Network security helps protect our devices

and data from cyber threats. In this paper, I will focus on two common threats which are computer viruses and phishing (including smishing).  I’ll explain why systems are vulnerable to these attacks, what kind of damage they can cause, and how to protect against them.

 

A computer virus is a type of harmful software (also called malware) that can

spread from one computer to another. It usually attaches itself to files or programs

and can cause all kinds of problems once it’s inside a system. Viruses can slow down

a computer, delete files, or even make the system crash. They often get in through

infected email attachments or unsafe downloads. Computer systems become vulnerable to viruses when users don’t keep their antivirus software updated or click on things they shouldn’t. Sometimes, viruses hide in files that seem normal, which tricks people into downloading them. Once a virus is active, it can cause serious issues like corrupting files, stealing data, or using up system resources.

To prevent viruses, it’s important to:

1. Keep antivirus software up to date.

2. Avoid downloading files or opening email attachments from unknown sources.

Phishing and Smishing is when someone pretends to be a trustworthy source—like a bank or a big company—and sends fake emails or texts to trick people into giving away personal information. Smishing is the same thing, except it happens through text messages

instead of email. These messages often try to make you panic by saying your account

has been locked or you’ve won a prize, making you click a bad link. People fall for phishing and smishing because the messages look real and make them feel like they have to act quickly. Once someone clicks the link or gives away their info, hackers can steal their passwords, money, or identity.

 

To protect against phishing and smishing:

1. Always double-check who the message is from before clicking any links.2. Use email and text filters to block suspicious messages.

 

I conclusion, computer viruses and phishing are two major security threats that can cause

serious problems if we’re not careful. They can steal personal information, slow

down systems, or even damage devices. But by being aware of the risks, keeping

software updated, and avoiding suspicious messages or downloads, we can protect

ourselves and our computers. Staying alert and informed is the best way to stay safe

online.

 

 

 

 

References

GeeksforGeeks. (2025, April 30). What is a computer virus?

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-a-computer-virus/

Microsoft. (n.d.). What is phishing? Microsoft Security.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/security-101/what-is-phi