{"id":157114,"date":"2022-08-01T06:34:08","date_gmt":"2022-08-01T13:34:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=157114"},"modified":"2024-01-16T20:39:10","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T04:39:10","slug":"celebrate-world-wide-web-day-the-evolution-of-web-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/internet-security\/celebrate-world-wide-web-day-the-evolution-of-web-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrate World Wide Web Day: The Evolution of Web Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

The World Wide Web, invented in 1989 by Tim Berners-Lee, has undoubtedly made our lives more convenient in so many ways.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, family road trips looked a lot different than they do today. Preteens were designated backseat navigators, with huge atlases spread across their laps, yelling \u201cTurn left here! No wait, right!\u201d Then, when you finally arrived at your destination, what was there to do? Time to poll the hotel concierge, gas station attendants, and grocery store clerks about the best places to visit and directions on how to get there.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, your car and phone can speak to you in a calm voice, guide you where you need to go, and tell you what to do once you get there. Life changing!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the Web also has made our lives more complicated in several ways. The number of cybercrimes \u2014 in variety and prevalence \u2014 seem to rise every day. Luckily, what has also become more sophisticated are our available tools to combat cybercriminals and protect our online information, privacy, and identity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look back at the evolution of cyberthreats and cyber-protection to commemorate World Wide Web Day and share some tips on how to use the Web safely and with confidence.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Then: Viruses and Malware<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

In the early days of the Web, viruses and malware caused many a desktop computer to fall into disrepair. Though, whenever anyone caught a virus of the cyber variety, they were never too surprised. That was usually the cost of illegally downloading music or videos or clicking on pop-ups from sites that were notorious for spreading malicious software.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now: Phishing<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Fast forward to today and viruses and malware have been disguised by <\/span>phishing<\/span><\/a>, a tactic where malicious software is hidden within legitimate-looking electronic correspondences (email, text, or direct message). People are now wise to which sketchy websites to avoid, so, to spread their malicious software, cybercriminals use false authority and play on people\u2019s emotions to get them to click on dangerous links and divulge valuable personal information. Phishing can result in huge financial losses. One study calculates that companies lose $15 million annually to phishing.<\/span>1<\/span> Here are a few tips to avoid falling for a phishing attempt and keep your family\u2019s personal information safe:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n