Introduction

Like myself, there are several other online writers out there who love to write and share their opinions with the world. We tend to seek social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to send our works across. We expect people to be interested in the topic and thereafter click on the respective link to get to read the full content. Of course, it is their clicks, “likes” and comments that motivate the writers to discuss the subject more in depth. It also helps with revenue through advertisements posted on the websites. Today’s sad plight is that due to the repeated malicious content flowing online, any person is apprehensive and doubtful about any link on the website. There are several warnings provided against clicking on any unknown link. This may risk the computer system of the reader. Obviously, any informed citizen will avoid the act of going through websites with a casual attitude. But at the same time, it is of great dismay to those writers who are putting up their works and expecting readers to come across their websites.

What is a virus? Why are viruses harmful?

Viruses refer to those computer programs that get transferred from one system to another and are designed to interfere with the computer’s operation. Viruses are sent in disguise with email attachments, downloads, e-cards, videos and audios. They are sent to secretly gather personal information like credit card details, monitor the user’s computing habits and can display pop-up advertisements or divert you to advertising sites. Clearly it is highly undesirable and problematic. Some of the commonly found viruses include spyware, Trojan, and worms etc.

What do the stats say?

According to forbes, an estimated 30,000 websites are hacked daily globally. Business today reports that almost 700 websites hosted under “gov.in” and “nic.in” have been hacked since 2012.
Number of Indian websites attacked by hackers has seen a sharp rise from 21,699 in the year 2011 to 32,323 in 2014.

The Key to Success

The recent reports indicates that tier-1 companies like Microsoft, Apple, Twitter, Facebook and Evernote have all fallen prey of hacking and have successfully overcome the attack. While changing passwords is one of the simplest ways to combat hacking, prevention would always be better than a palliative cure. Adaptive authentication is the method that is being employed by companies like Google to successfully keep hackers at bay.

Conclusion

Online open access to content has come as a boon for the reader’s as well as for the writers who see this as an opportunity to share their works with a global audience. This helps them receive recognition, connect with other writers and readers, and expand their knowledge base. All this takes place easily and without any significant financial backing. In the present times, internet has eased the process to degrees and also saved on paper. It is therefore a more green and efficient way out. Every effort must be made to completely remove all malicious activities from the system. And also the confidence of the readers needs to be boosted so that they do not have to give second thoughts while clicking on an interesting news piece that they find online.

[Image Attribute: Gerd Altmann]