Most cyberattacks don’t come from a single hacker sitting behind one computer. Sometimes they rely on thousands of devices working together without their owners even realizing it. These networks are called botnets. And they’ve become one of the most powerful tools in modern cybercrime, and they’re only growing in magnitude.

Most people don’t think of their phones as something susceptible to malicious actors. Unfortunately, phones can be just as vulnerable as computers, but the way they are targeted is different. Quite often, it’s through spyware.

Much of a computer’s security is only active after it starts. For instance, antivirus software scans files, browsers block suspicious websites, and operating systems install security patches. But what about during startup? Not many people know that during this phase, a computer is especially vulnerable, because the system hasn’t fully loaded, and security tools aren’t active yet.

Using the Internet often feels completely anonymous. You can create a username, avoid sharing your real name, and take part in online communities without revealing who you are. Unfortunately, you’re likely not as anonymous as you think.

Ever get a message from a friend on WhatsApp that seemed slightly off? Maybe they ask you for a quick favor, or they send you an unusual link. But because it’s coming from someone you know, you might just comply or click without thinking. This is one of the most common ways scammers can hijack your WhatsApp account.

Most people don’t ever think they’ll find their passport scan, driver’s license photo, or other personal documents in a random search engine search. Unfortunately, it’s not as rare as you might think.