“Risk Factors Every User Faces Online”

🛡️ What Criminals See That You Don’t

🎯 Risk Factor Categories

1.Personal Data Exposure

  • Public profiles leaking phone numbers, emails, birthdays
  • Data broker sites selling user information
  • Old accounts still holding sensitive data
  • Weak privacy settings on social platforms

2. Password & Authentication

  • Reused passwords
  • No MFA
  • Passwords stored in browsers
  • Credential stuffing attacks

3. Device Vulnerabilities

  • Unpatched software
  • Public Wi-Fi risks
  • Outdated operating systems
  • Insecure IoT devices

4. Email & Messaging Threats

  • Phishing scams
  • Malicious attachments
  • Impersonation attacks
  • Spam links

5.Website & App Risks

  • Malicious ads
  • Fake websites
  • Insecure apps
  • Excessive permissions

6. Financial & Transaction Risks

  • Unsecured payment methods
  • Fake online stores
  • Subscription traps
  • Hidden fees

7. Behavioral Risks

  • Oversharing
  • Clicking without verifying
  • Trusting “official looking” messages
  • Not checking URLs

8. Social & Human Manipulation

  • Pretexting to gain trust or information
  • Urgency scams that force quick decisions
  • Emotional manipulation (fear, guilt, reward)
  • Fake support calls or “account recovery” messages

📌 “What This Means for You”

Understanding these risk factors is crucial for anyone navigating the digital world. By being aware of the common vulnerabilities and threats, users can take proactive steps to protect their personal information, secure their devices, and avoid falling victim to scams. Implementing strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, keeping software updated, and being cautious about sharing information online are just a few measures that can significantly reduce one's risk exposure. Staying informed and vigilant is key to maintaining online safety in an increasingly connected world.

  • Stay Informed:Regularly update yourself on the latest cyber threats and trends.
  • Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across multiple sites.
  • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security.
  • Keep Software Updated: Regular updates patch vulnerabilities.
  • Be Cautious with Links and Attachments: Verify before clicking.
  • Limit Personal Information Sharing: Be mindful of what you share online.

📊 “Your Web Trust & Effectivenss Score (WTES) shows exactly where you stand — and what to fix.”


Real World Scenarios