Cybercrime is an ongoing threat. You might think that the only form of cybercrime you have to worry about is hackers stealing your financial information. But it may not be that simple. There are many more concerns than just basic financial ones. Cybercrime begins to create a new wave of threats every year. When you hear and read about the range of cybercrimes out there, you might be tempted to stop using the internet altogether. That’s probably too harsh. Instead, it’s better to know how to recognize cybercrime, which can be the first step in helping to protect yourself and your data. Taking some basic precautions and knowing who to contact when you see someone engaging in criminal activity online are important steps. You may want to learn how to prevent cybercrime, but the thing is, you can’t. But you can take precautions to protect yourself against it.
What is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is any crime that occurs online or primarily online. Cybercriminals often commit crimes targeting computer networks or devices. Cybercrime can range from security breaches to identity theft. In other cybercrimes, terrorists collaborate on the Internet to carry out terrorist activities and crimes into cyberspace. How to Protect Yourself from Cybercrime Anyone who uses the Internet should take some basic precautions. Here are 6 tips that can help you protect yourself from cybercrime.
1. Use strong passwords
Don’t repeat your passwords across different sites, and change your passwords regularly. Make them complex. This means using a combination of at least 10 characters, numbers, and symbols. A password management application can help you keep your passwords locked down.
2. Update your software
This is especially important with your operating system and internet security software. Cybercriminals often use exploits or flaws in your software to gain access to your system. Patching these exploits and flaws makes it less likely that you will become a cybercrime target.
3. Manage your social media settings
Keep your personal and private information locked down. Social engineering cybercriminals can often get your personal information with just a few data points, so the less you share publicly, the better. For example, if you post your pet’s name or reveal your mother’s maiden name, you can reveal the answers to two simple security questions.
4. Strengthen your home network
It’s a good idea to start with a strong password along with a virtual private network. A VPN will keep all traffic off your devices until it reaches your destination. If cybercriminals manage to hack your communication line, they won’t intercept anything but the data. It’s a good idea to use a VPN whenever you’re in a library, hotel, or airport.
5. Take steps to protect yourself against identity theft
Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully obtains your personal data in a fraudulent or deceptive manner, usually for financial gain. How? For example, you might be tricked into giving out personal information online, or a thief might steal your email to access account information. That’s why it’s important to protect your personal data. A VPN, short for virtual private network, can help protect the data you send and receive online, especially when accessing the internet on public Wi-Fi.
6. Know what to do if you’re a victim of cybercrime
If you believe you’ve been the victim of a cybercrime, you should alert your local police and, in some cases, the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission. It’s important to report it, even if the crime seems minor. Your report can help authorities with their investigation or help deter criminals from taking advantage of others in the future. Here are some things you should consider if you think cybercriminals have stolen your identity
