In a world that is ever-more reliant on technology, the term cybercrime has been bandied around with increasing regularity. For those who are oblivious to this term, cybercrime is a type of criminal activity carried out by cybercriminals using an electronic device, network or computer through the internet.
Cybercriminals – often called hackers – take advantage of society’s reliance on using the internet to consume and access information and find devious opportunities to infiltrate their systems or devices to carry out their virtual attacks.
The driving force behind cybercrime is primarily money, as hackers look to infiltrate and damage or destroy devices, networks or computers for personal or political profit. Hackers don’t only target individuals but groups or organisations as well who use advanced techniques with amazing creativity to dupe unsuspecting victims.
Read on as we unpack some of the most common types of cyber crimes and what can be done to protect against these threats.
Cybercrime typically falls under two categories:
Cybercrime that targets computers, devices and networks usually involves hackers that infiltrate and infect with viruses or malware (malicious software) in order to delete or steal information. In addition, they may sometimes use a Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack that stops a user from accessing a computer, device and/or network.
Cybercrime that uses computers, devices and networks to commit other crimes usually involves hackers that infiltrate with the intention of spreading malware or illegal information. Cybercriminals use both categories in tandem to inflict maximum damage, allowing them greater opportunities to profit from their methods.
Examples of cybercrime include:It is evident that cybercriminals will try a wide range of deceitful techniques to gain access to your devices and networks – something you must take every precaution against. Read on as we discuss some powerful ways to protect yourself against cybercrime.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of cybercrime, it’s essential to understand how best to protect your computer and personal or business information from prying eyes.
By keeping your software and operating system updated at all times, you can ensure that you are protected with the latest security patches that repel the latest methods of cybercrime in circulation. In addition, using up-to-date anti-virus software will go a long way in protecting your networks and systems from cyber attacks, as it allows you to scan, detect and remove threats before they start with the damage.
Adopting the 'three random words' technique can help users to use suitably complex passphrases that they can actually remember. By using strong passwords hackers will find great difficulty in infiltrating your systems and networks. While it may be easier to create your own password, it may be better to use a reputable password manager that generates strong passwords randomly. Regular password changing harms rather than improves security. Many systems will force users to change their password at regular intervals, typically every 30, 60 or 90 days. This imposes burdens on the user and there are costs associated with recovering accounts. It is recommended that passwords to do not expire.
A common way for computers to get infected by malware attacks is through email attachments contained in spam emails (known as phishing). You should never open attachments from in emails where you do not know the source.
Spam emails can also contain links or messages that encourage users to click on them. These should never be clicked on as they will direct users to authentic-looking platforms and trick users into parting with sensitive information.
Also, be observant of URLs that look unfamiliar – if your internet provider offers functionality to secure online transactions, ensure it is enabled before conducting any financial transactions online.
With the number of cybercrimes around the globe at an all-time high, it is crucial to protect yourself and your business from becoming another cybercrime statistic. At tmc3, we understand that cyber security, data protection and compliance challenges are different for every organisation in every industry.
Our extensive expertise and suite of innovative products will ensure that your computers, networks and devices have the most stringent protection using cutting-edge technology and techniques. Make sure to contact us here and get the digital protection that you and your business deserve. Adopting the 'three random words' technique can help users to use suitably complex passphrases that they can actually remember.