In today’s modern world, no one can go two steps without using technology in some form or shape. Modern technology has infiltrated people’s lives to the point where it has become impossible to live without it. Unfortunately, the technology that people use daily does not have foolproof security. Whether it is your digital persona or essential information stored on your modern devices, anything can be stolen if you are not cautious enough. Sadly, the general public is not familiar with the majority of cybercrimes and, therefore, unable to protect themselves and their data.
What is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime refers to criminal activities carried out using modern devices like computers. Cybercriminals can also use digital networks for illegal activities.
Types of Cybercrimes:
A broad spectrum of criminal activities falls under the category of cybercrimes. The most common ones out of them are:
1. Identity Theft:
Identity theft has existed for a long time, even before the world became a digital ecosystem. However, with technological advancement, identity thieves have also upgraded their methods. In 2022 alone, 1 in 3 Americans experienced identity theft. On the digital front, identities are often stolen for fraudulent purposes. Cybercriminals aim to obtain social security numbers, credit card details, and people’s online profiles. In light of these goals, cybercriminals adopt multiple practices. They use SIM swapping and malware attacks to obtain a person’s identity with weak digital security.
2. Phishing Scams:
Phishing scams are a type of email fraud where deceptive emails are sent to people to obtain their personal information. A typical example of this is receiving an email that appears to be from a household brand but asks you to click a link. When users click the link, they unknowingly download malware on their devices. Through such malware, cybercriminals can access the affected devices and find the data they seek. Phishing attacks have caused billions in losses to corporations. In 2022, there were $10.6 billion in reported losses caused by phishing scams.
3. Computer Viruses:
Computer viruses have been causing people headaches for years. Over the years, they have become more sophisticated. However, the scariest part about computer viruses is that they can self-replicate and spread to other devices. These viruses often damage system files, causing people to lose essential data. Although many anti-virus programs are available today to protect computers, some viruses still slip through the cracks.
How to Stay Safe from Cybercrimes?
As cyber criminals upgrade their techniques, it is up to the people to improve their strategies. Fighting cybercrimes has to be a collective effort to be more effective. Here are some ways we can protect ourselves from cybercrimes:
1. Security Awareness Training:
The success of phishing attacks lies in human error, such as clicking the wrong link or sharing your information with an unauthorized person. Security awareness training can teach people how to identify and avoid cyber-attacks. Companies can conduct security awareness training for their employees and even test them with fake phishing emails. Through these training sessions, companies can improve the digital security of their offices.
2. Advanced Cyber Security Systems:
Since cybercrimes attack digital systems, it becomes vital to make the systems stronger. You can utilize technologies like firewalls and intrusion detection systems to improve the security of your digital devices. Both individuals and companies can protect themselves from the threat of cybercrime with the help of cybersecurity tools. However, keep in mind that only the right cybersecurity tools will be of any help to you. If you try to save money and opt for barely-passable solutions, you can bid farewell to your digital safety.
3. Virtual Private Networks:
Virtual private networks (VPNs) allow users to browse the Internet with an added layer of security and anonymity. VPNs encrypt users’ online activity, making it difficult for cybercriminals to steal their data. They are also quite effective against phishing scams, masking their IP addresses from attackers.
4. Password Managers:
People should be taught to create secure passwords for security awareness training. However, sometimes, that alone isn’t enough, and the help of password managers is needed. Password managers are software applications that store your login credentials in an encrypted format. A master password is set up to help you access your credentials, protecting them from snooping eyes.
5. Multi-Factor Authentication:
Many websites today ask users to set up multi-factor authentication to protect their accounts. However, many websites have left it as an optional feature for their users. Setting up multi-factor authentication allows you to protect your accounts from cyber-attacks easily.
As cybercrimes continue, it has become vital for people to pay attention to their online security. You can adopt the abovementioned techniques and protect your data from identity thieves and cyber attackers.
