The Dark Side of the Internet: 7 Everyday Online Threats

These days, it feels as though we can’t live or function without constant access to the internet… But this constant connectivity also exposes us to significant risks, no matter how safe we may feel.

We need access to the internet for work, for education, for entertainment, for connection and socializing – but the truth is that dangers follow us everywhere.

From financial fraud to identity theft, online threats can compromise (and sometimes, even ruin) our personal information and security.

Luckily, as with most things, understanding the most common dangers is the first step towards protecting ourselves.

So what are the seven most common threats we face every time we go online?

1. Phishing Attacks

Have you ever gotten an email that looks like it's from your bank, Facebook, or other social media you use, asking you to "verify your account"?

Or perhaps you received an email out of the blue that says you need to renew your password? That's phishing in action.

Phishing is when scammers create convincing fake emails, text messages, and websites with the goal to trick you into sharing sensitive info, like passwords or credit card numbers.

Once they have access to your credentials or credit card information, they can then extort other people, drain your bank account or carry out identity theft.

They're masters at mimicking trusted companies – from Netflix to PayPal – by spoofing emails and making fake email addresses that look REALLY similar to the original; for example, [email protected] instead of [email protected] (can you spot the difference?).

Another tactic they use is to create a false sense of urgency to make you act without thinking, such as by making you feel as though your account is in danger.

2. Malware Infections

Malware is often compared to a digital disease that infects your devices.

Whether it's a virus that corrupts your files, spyware that secretly tracks your every move, or ransomware that holds your data hostage until you pay up, malware can wreak havoc on your digital life.

One particularly nasty example is ransomware, which encrypts all your files – photos, documents, quite literally everything – and demands payment (usually in cryptocurrency, since it’s harder to trace back to someone) to unlock them.

3. Unsecured Public Wi-Fi

That free Wi-Fi at a cafe, airport lounge or library sure is convenient… but it's also ideal for hackers to get access to whatever you’re doing online.

When you connect to public Wi-Fi, you're basically broadcasting your online activity to anyone who knows how to listen in (and it actually doesn’t even require that much skill).

Cybercriminals can intercept everything from your Facebook password to, more importantly, your banking details if you're not careful.

That's why you’ll see tons of people use something called a VPN (Virtual Private Network), especially while working from a public Wi-Fi, since it's like creating a private tunnel through the public network – which keeps your data safe from hackers. No more snooping!

4. Weak Passwords

Yes, we all know the drill by now – your password shouldn't be "password123," but many of us still cut corners with security and use things that are easy to remember – or reuse the same password, even.

Using simple passwords or, worse, the same password everywhere is like using the same key for your house, car, and office; so if a hacker cracks one account, you’ve basically granted them access to all of them.

While it's tempting to use something easy to remember, like your birthday or pet's name, these are the first things criminals try.

Instead of juggling dozens of complex passwords in your head, try a verified, secure password manager – it’ll remember your passwords for your various accounts and even help you create complex, hard-to-crack passwords.

5. Outdated Software

Are you also guilty of clicking “defer, defer, defer” or “later” every time you get those software update notifications? You might want to reconsider it.

Those updates are actually digital patches for security holes that hackers love to exploit.

Once devs learn that something is a risk, they update their app or program to protect you from that risk – so outdated software is like leaving your windows unlocked: it just gives cybercriminals an easy way in.

When companies discover security flaws, they race to fix them, but these fixes only work if you actually install the updates.

That's why hitting "remind me later" for weeks on end is more dangerous than it seems. Whether it's your phone, laptop, or smart device, keeping software current is one of the simplest ways to stay protected.

6. Romance Scams

Have you ever looked for love online? So have scammers. These con artists create fake profiles on dating apps and social media, then spend weeks or months (and sometimes even years!) building emotional connections with their targets.

Once they've gained your trust, the stories begin – maybe they're stuck overseas and need money for a plane ticket, or they have a sick relative who needs urgent medical care.

By the time you realize you’ve been duped, you’ll likely have lost thousands of dollars and suffered real emotional trauma.

Remember: if an online love interest starts asking for money, it's probably not Cupid who's struck – it's a scammer.

7. Data Breaches

Have you ever received that dreaded email that says "Your data may have been compromised"? Major companies – from hotels to healthcare providers – get hacked more often than you'd think, which exposes millions of people's personal information.

When criminals break into these companies’ databases, they can steal everything from your email and password to your credit card details and Social Security number.

While you can't prevent companies from being hacked (that’s up to them), you can limit the damage by using different passwords for every account and keeping a close eye on your credit report.

Think of it like this: if one company's security fails, you don't want it to be the key that unlocks your entire digital life.

How to Protect Yourself

It’s all well and good knowing the risks we face by going online every day, but how do you actually protect yourself?

You don’t need to be ultra tech-savvy or remember a whole bunch of stuff. Just follow these main steps, and you’ll already be safer than most people online:

1. Create Strong, Unique Passwords

Use a unique, complex password for each account. Yes, it's a hassle, but a password manager can do the heavy lifting for you.

2. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding 2FA is like putting a deadbolt on top of your regular lock. Even if someone gets your password, they'll still need a code from your phone to break in. Most major services offer this feature – don’t think of it as a bother, use it!

3. Use a VPN (Especially on Public Wi-Fi)

Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s also risky. A VPN encrypts your connection, making it much harder for hackers to spy on your online activity.

It's especially important for devices that handle sensitive information or can't run VPN apps directly – like smart TVs.

For example, if you want to use an LG TV VPN, setting up a VPN on your router can protect all connected devices at once.

4. Keep Your Software Updated

Those update notifications may be annoying, but they're crucial security patches. Ignoring them is like leaving known holes in your digital fence. Set up automatic updates when possible.

5. Be Skeptical of Unexpected Emails and Links

Think twice before clicking links, even if they seem to come from someone you know (or think you know). Hover over links to preview where they'll actually take you, and never enter personal information unless you're absolutely sure the site is legitimate.