PCs or Computer hardware were mainly under threat from viruses and worms since many years ago. The main purpose of these programs was to spread; however, some programs were also designed to cause damage to files and PCs. Malicious software, or “malware”, could be described as ‘cyber vandalism’. In the most cases, the target of viruses and worms was to spread as much as possible, with a high infection rate leading to fame for that program.

But in the latest years, the situation has changed drastically.

Today, the biggest threat faced by computers is crimeware. This malicious software is written by cybercriminals with the objective of making money illegally. Some of the threat that you must know :

Crimeware

Crimeware is malicious software that is covertly installed on computers. Virus "Trojans" is the most of crimeware programs. There are many types of Trojans designed to do different things. Some are used to log every key you type (keyloggers), some capture screenshots when you are using banking websites, some download other malicious code, and others let a remote hacker access your system. They commonly is the ability to ‘steal’ your confidential information – such as passwords and PINs – and send it back to the criminal. And of course they then able to steal your money.

see "How to protect from the CrimeWare"

Hackers

The hacker means was a clever programmer. It's applied to those who exploit security vulnerabilities to break into a computer system. Hackers regularly break into both individual computers and large networks. Once they have access, they may install malicious programs, steal confidential data, or perhaps use compromised computers to distribute spam.

What is a vulnerability? Since software is written by humans, it’s possible that they contain programming mistakes, known as vulnerabilities.

Computer software is very complex, comprised of thousands of lines of code and may be also contain a thousands of chance to be a mistakes . These mistakes or loopholes are used by hackers to break into systems; they are also used by authors of malicious code to launch their programs automatically on your computer.

Phishing

Is the specific technique to steal by tricking internet and email users into disclosing their personal details. The criminal creates an almost 100 percent perfect replica of a chosen financial institution’s website, then attempts to trick the user in to disclosing their personal details – username, password, PIN etc – via a form on the fake website, allowing the criminal to use the details to obtain money.

When the recipient clicks on the link in the email, they are directed to the fake website, where they are prompted to divulge their personal information.

That’s a clever techniques to trick users in to accessing the fake website, such as sending emails that pretend to be from a bank. These emails often use legitimate logos, a good business style and often spoof the header of the email to make it look like it came from a legitimate bank.

In general, these letters inform recipients that the bank has changed its IT infrastructure and asks all customers to re-confirm their user information.

Becarefull for any of Legitimate form !!

How to protect from Phising Attack