Cybercrime continues to be a threat.

It might seem that hackers stealing financial information is the only cybercrime you need to be concerned about. It may not be as simple as that. There are many more issues than financial. Cybercrime is constantly evolving, and new threats are emerging every year.

You might feel tempted to quit using the internet completely after reading about cybercrime. This is probably too extreme. It’s better to learn how to recognize cybercrime. This can help you and your data stay safe. It is important to take basic precautions and know who to contact if you spot someone engaging in criminal activity online. It’s possible to prevent cybercrime but it’s impossible. However, you can take steps to protect yourself from cybercrime.

 

What is cybercrime?

Cybercrime refers to any crime committed online or primarily online. Cybercriminals are known to target computer networks and devices in order to commit crimes. Cybercrime can include identity theft and security breaches.

Cybercrimes that include “revenge porn”, cyber-stalking and bullying, as well as child sexual exploitation, are all examples of cybercrimes. Terrorists work together on the internet to move terrorist activities and criminal activity into cyberspace.

 

Cybercrime: Protect Yourself?

Everyone who uses the internet must take some precautions. These are 11 tips to help you protect yourself from cybercrimes.

1. A full-service internet security package is available

AVIANE, for example, provides real-time protection from emerging and existing malware, including ransomware, viruses, and helps to protect your financial and private information online.

2. Use strong passwords

Do not reuse passwords from different websites. Change your passwords often. Complex passwords are a good idea. This means that you should use at least 10 letters and numbers as well as symbols. You can use a password management program to help keep your passwords safe.

3. Make sure you keep your software up-to-date

This is particularly important for your internet security software and operating systems. Cybercriminals often exploit known flaws in your software to gain entry to your system. You can reduce your chances of becoming a cybercrime victim by patching these flaws and exploits.

4. Manage your social media settings

Your private and personal information should be kept safe. Cybercriminals can often access your personal information using just a few data points. You might reveal the answers to two security questions if you post pet names or reveal your mother’s maiden name.

5. Your network should be strengthened

It is a good idea not only to have a strong encryption password but also to create a virtual private network. VPN’s will encrypt all traffic from your devices until it reaches its destination. Cybercriminals can hack your communication line but they will not intercept encrypted data. A VPN is a great idea whenever you use public Wi-Fi networks, regardless of whether they are in a café, library, hotel or airport.

6. Create Awareness about internet

You can teach your kids about acceptable use of the internet without shutting down communication channels. Make sure they know that they can come to you if they’re experiencing any kind of online harassment, stalking, or bullying.

7. Keep up to date on major security breaches

If you do business with a merchant or have an account on a website that’s been impacted by a security breach, find out what information the hackers accessed and change your password immediately.

8. Take measures to help protect yourself against identity theft

Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully obtains your personal data in a way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. How? You might be tricked into giving personal information over the internet, for instance, or a thief might steal your mail to access account information. That’s why it’s important to guard your personal data. A VPN — short for virtual private network — can also help to protect the data you send and receive online, especially when accessing the internet on public Wi-Fi.

9. Know that identity theft can happen anywhere

It’s smart to know how to protect your identity even when traveling. There are a lot of things you can do to help keep criminals from getting your private information on the road. These include keeping your travel plans off social media and being using a VPN when accessing the internet over your hotel’s Wi-Fi network.

   10. Know what to do if you are cyber victim

If you believe that you’ve become a victim of a cybercrime, you need to alert the local police and, in some cases, the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission. This is important even if the crime seems minor. Your report may assist authorities in their investigations or may help to thwart criminals from taking advantage of other people in the future. If you think cybercriminals have stolen your identity. These are among the steps you should consider.

• Contact the companies and banks where you know fraud occurred.
• Place fraud alerts and get your credit reports.
• Report identity theft to the FTC.

 

How you can help by following the 10 Points

In a way, fighting cybercrime is everybody’s business. Think of it as an obligation to do your part in the fight against cybercrime. For most people, that means following a few simple, common-sense steps to keep yourself and your family safe. It also means reporting cybercrimes to relevant officials at the appropriate time. When you do, you’re helping to fight cybercrime.