The internet has grown tremendously over years and has transformed the very lives of its users. Despite its benefits, the internet sometimes can be a danger to users due to the increase in number of threats targeted at internet users. To be on the safe side, web users need to know the potential 22 web threats and how to keep themselves and their computers safe. One of the threats comes by through the use of cookies planted by websites. Though the cookies are aimed to simplify the user’s browsing, some of the cookies can leave a trail of the websites the user has visited and thus be used to collect information on the users. To prevent such occurrences, one should adjust the browsers settings so that such cookies are deleted once the user has logged out of the net.

Apart from the use of cookies, the user browsing habits can be easily identified by looking at their browsing history. To fix this, web users are advised to use their private browsing feature to avoid leaving trails of the visited sites. Hackers continually pose great threats to internet users mostly by cracking passwords of users’ email accounts. Most webmail services require users to have a secret question that is used in the event one forgets their passwords. However, if the secret question gets somehow into the hands of hackers, they may use it to log on to the users account and change the account settings. To prevent password theft, users are advised to utilize the password manager.

With most users registered to social sites such as Facebook, MySpace among others, majority of the new threats are likely to face them. Most data thieves send links to webmail users, which when clicked direct the users to phishing web pages that steal the user’s login details. To prevent this, users need to frequently change their account passwords. Credit card scams are on the rise with most people receiving emails about orders they had no idea of. Such emails require them to enter their credit cards details in order for the goods to be shipped.

When users do this, their private information is handed over to online thieves. To be on the safe from the threats, users should inquire about security features from the credit card providers. Most web users have fallen victim to fake online product review sites. These sites purport to give great product reviews and offer users chance to buy it. However, when users follow the link given, they are redirected to a different website. To avoid going to fake sites, make sure to type the correct web address and if the deal is too good to be true, be cautious.