Common threats

Explore a range of common cyber security threats — find out how they work, how to prevent them, and what to do if they happen to you.

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Common Threats

Text message scams

Text message (SMS) scams are when a scammer will use an initial text message sent directly to you to gain financial deta

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Common Threats

SIM swapping attacks

A SIM swap attack (also known as SIM porting or SIM hijacking) is where an attacker tricks a mobile phone service provid

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Common Threats

Information leak

An information leak is when your private information gets released without your permission. This can happen through an i

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Common Threats

Spam

The term 'spam' refers to emails, SMS texts or faxes from an individual, or a company, that you didn’t ask to receive. I

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Common Threats

Objectionable material

The term 'objectionable material' usually relates to any publication that deals with subjects like sex, horror, crime, c

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Common Threats

Cyber bullying

Cyber bullying relates to any kind of bullying, harassment or abuse that’s carried out online, for example through socia

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Common Threats

Online child abuse

This is any kind of abuse of a child that happens on the internet.

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Common Threats

Malware

'Malware' refers to any kind of malicious software designed to damage or harm a computer system.

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Common Threats

Online identity theft

Online identity theft is when someone gets personal information from another person, and uses it for their own gain.

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Common Threats

Phishing

Phishing is a type of email scam. The sender pretends to be a trustworthy organisation — like a bank or government agenc

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Common Threats

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that denies a user access to their files or computer system unless they pay a

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Common Threats

Unauthorised access

The term 'unauthorised access' describes the act of directly — or indirectly — accessing information online without auth

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Common Threats

Scams and fraud

Online scams are intended to manipulate or trick people into giving away their personal details, financial details, or m