Describe the threats posed by hackers, viruses, spyware, frauds and spam, and the methods used in defending against them.

General Threats:

This is
quite an extensive list of threats to computers that could be generalized.  One of the
smaller threats, but certainly the biggest nuisance caused by hackers, viruses, spyware,
frauds, and spam is that it slows down your computer.  You've probably noticed when you
buy a brand new computer that several programs automatically pop up and run on "start
up," causing your computer to take longer to boot up and get to your home screen.  This
is the same thing with the threats you have listed above.  Most will not only slow down
your computer at start-up, but will make surfing the internet slower and more tedious. 
Spyware often results in tons of "pop-ups" that when left unblocked can take forever to
weed through and close.

The more serious threat posed by
the above list however, is the stealing of your personal information without your
permission, often without your knowledge.  Spam is fraudulent solicitation that often
asks for your name, email and address.  Then, your information is sold to other
companies to send more advertisements to your email and snail-mail box.  Even more
serious fraud includes having personal passwords, sensitive information, even banking
information stolen and actually being robbed of funds or your identity,
electronically.

Precautions:

Everyone
can take basic precautions to avoid these threats.  It is well known that Mac computers
are less susceptible to virus and ad-ware than PC's, as hackers are going to work the
hardest to target the largest number of people possible, and PC users are still the
majority.  With any computer, you should buy virus protection (not simply take the
program that comes free) and run regular "sweeps" on your computer for general clean
up.  Also be sure to install any and all updates immediately upon receiving them,
because just like the flu virus, computer viruses are always
changing.

Be very careful about how much of your personal
information you have "floating out in cyberspace."  Most people do not realize, for
example, that every time someone clicks "like" on a Facebook application or ad, that
company is directly connected to all the information available on the person's Facebook
page.  This is how Facebook seems to not only know all of your friends in the entire
world, but all of your specific "likes" and hobbies as well.  There has been speculation
that Facebook is potentially crossing into illegal territory with its information
sharing.  Unfortunately, most users are "willingly" offering up the information without
even knowing it.

Encript your passwords with numbers and/or
symbols and change them regularly.  Do not ever use a debit card to pay for something
online.  Credit cards have built in fraud protection and are not directly connected to
your bank account.  Finally, if something looks phishy, it probably
is.  Trust your instincts.  Never open emails or download anything from a person or site
you do not know and trust.