Threats Of Cyber Crime And How You Can Protect Yourself

Introduction

Each day, we hear about new ways that cyber criminals are able to steal personal information and wreak havoc on our lives. While the internet has brought many benefits, it has also created new opportunities for criminals to exploit.

According to a report from Norton by Symantec, cyber crime damages are expected to cost the world $10.5 Trillion Annually By 2025. That’s an increase of $4.5 trillion from 2021. This rapid growth is due to the fact that it is becoming easier and easier for criminals to launch cyber attacks.

In this blog post, we will explore the dangers of cyber crime and what you can do to protect yourself.

What is cyber crime?

Cyber crime is any illegal activity that takes place online. It can range from small-scale breaches of security, such as stealing someone’s personal information, to large-scale attacks, such as hacking into a government or corporate network.

Cyber crime can take many forms, including identity theft, phishing, ransomware, malware, and various other forms of online fraud. Cyber criminals use a variety of methods and techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems or networks.

Identity theft is a particularly common form of cyber crime. It involves illegally obtaining someone’s personal information, such as their name, Social Security number, or bank account information, and using it to commit fraud or other illegal activities. It can also be used to open accounts in the victim’s name and make purchases without their knowledge or consent.

Malware is a type of software designed to damage or gain access to computers without the user’s knowledge or consent. It can take many forms, from viruses to Trojan horses and more. The purpose of malware is usually to steal data or cause destruction.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that takes control of a user’s computer and encrypts their data until a ransom is paid. Once the ransom is paid, the attacker will usually send a key that can be used to decrypt the data.

Phishing is another form of cyber crime. It involves sending emails that appear to come from legitimate

The dangers of cyber crime

The dangers of cyber crime are numerous. It can cost victims thousands, if not millions, of dollars in losses. Data breaches can lead to lost time, customer trust, and expensive legal fees. Malware and ransomware can encrypt data and demand a ransom, or malicious software can steal personal information.

Identity theft can be particularly devastating to its victims. Criminals can use stolen personal information to open accounts in their victims’ names and make unauthorized purchases, often leaving the victims with huge credit card debts.

Cyber crime can also damage a business’s reputation, hurting its brand and reputation. Hackers can also gain access to a company’s financial data andaccounts.

The best way to protect yourself from cyber crime is to practice good cyber security measures. These include using strong passwords, using two-factor authentication when available, always updating your software, and being wary of phishing emails and links. Additionally, make sure your computer has a reliable antivirus program, and use caution when clicking on links or opening attachments.

How you can protect yourself from cyber crime

The key factor in securing your business or personal data from cyber crime is vigilance. Making sure you always have the latest cybersecurity tools installed and running, such as a high-quality antivirus software, can help you mitigate the threats that cyber criminals pose. You should also be sure to keep your software and operating systems updated, since outdated versions can contain security vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.

You should always be wary of suspicious emails or messages, especially those containing links or attachments. If a message is unexpected, or written in an odd way, delete it immediately. Review any link before clicking on it, and scan attachments with your antivirus before opening them. Finally, use two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever it is available to protect yourself when logging into accounts.

Following these tips can help you protect yourself from the dangers of cyber crime. However, the best protection comes from remaining vigilant and always being on the lookout for suspicious messages or activities on your accounts. This way, you can avoid falling victim to these threats and keep your data safe.

Cyber crime statistics

Cyber crime costs businesses and individuals billions of dollars each year, as well as valuable information. In 2019, the FBI-affiliated Internet Crime Complaint Center reported losses from cybercrime of over $3.5 billion. But these costs don’t only come in the form of money; they also include intellectual property and the loss of customer trust.

The most common types of cybercrime are phishing, identity theft, cyberbullying, and malware infection. Phishing attacks account for the majority of losses, with 78 percent of losses reported in 2019. Identity theft made up 15 percent, while cyberbullying and malware infection accounted for four percent each.

These statistics highlight just how important it is to stay vigilant and proactive in protecting yourself against cybercrime. It’s essential to remain aware of the latest scams and protect your devices, data, and accounts as much as possible.

Cyber crime prevention tips

With the right prevention methods and technologies, it is possible to protect yourself or your business from cybercrime. Here are seven tips you can use to help keep yourself safe online:

1. Strengthen your passwords: Make sure your passwords are at least 8 characters long and have numbers, symbols, uppercase and lowercase letters. Avoid using common words, and don’t share your passwords with anyone.

2. Use two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA provides an extra layer of security for all accounts you have registered online. When logging in to an account, you will be prompted to enter a code that is sent to your phone via SMS. This will help prevent hackers from gaining access to your account.

3. Keep your system and software updated: Make sure that all the software and applications on your device, including your operating system, are always updated to the latest versions.

4. Install anti-virus software: Anti-virus software can help protect your device from malware, spyware and other malicious programs.

5. Check websites for HTTPS: Before entering any sensitive information or data into a website, make sure it is secured with HTTPS encryption. This is indicated by a lock icon in the browser.

6. Disable auto-complete: This function can remember certain information that you have used, such as your address or credit card details. Disable this feature to ensure that your data is not accessed accidentally.

Conclusion

As cybercrimes continue to increase, it is essential to stay vigilant. Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to try and access your personal information and data. By following the above tips and taking other proactive measures, you can protect yourself and your online presence.

Remember, the most important thing is to be cautious of any emails, links, and websites that appear suspicious. Make sure you are using strong passwords and tools like two-factor authentication to increase security. Stay vigilant, as this will help you protect your data in the long run.

Authors:

Bhushan Hatwar

Atharva Agrawal

Prem Baravkar

Rugvedi Ghule