Cyber-crime is every crime that takes place primarily through the internet. Cyber-criminals use their knowledge and IT skills for attacking computer networks or devices. The internet can be a very dangerous place. Below are some tips to help stop you becoming a cyber-crime victim.
1) Use Strong passwords
Do not use the same passwords everywhere. The most common passwords which cyber criminals are aware of are child birth dates, marriage anniversaries, and similar. Do not use this type of password because it’s very easy to find out a date of birth, or marriage date or a pet’s name.
Therefore, you should use more complex passwords using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. You should also use separate passwords for all online accounts and change them regularly. There are several password management applications that can help you keep our passwords secret and protected. You should also be diligent with your home network. Apart from a strong password a virtual private network can help. Using VPN connects remote networks using internet and protecting the user from attacks.
2) Social media
Cyber criminals often access private data via social media such as Facebook, Instagram and others. If you publish a photo with your pet with the description “Rover and I”, a cyber-criminal will learn that the name of your dog is called Rover. The same applies for publishing images on your birthday or your holiday snaps on social media. Social media is every burglars dream. It is very easy for cyber-criminals to get your personal information, It is very important to have locked profiles with as little personal information as possible. The less we share with those outside our known contacts, the better.
3) Update software
Always update software on a timely basis when you get reminders. By postponing updates, you harm yourself. So adhere to them. You should regularly update your software on mobile devices or desktops because cybercriminals often use the disadvantages and known damages of our software to enter systems. By regular software updating, you can correct these disadvantages and damages. You will reduce the possibility of becoming a cybercrime target.
4) Antivirus programs
Always use antivirus programs because they help to protect you from malware like viruses and remove them from your PC. It can also protect your financials information. You must update your antivirus programs to the latest version.
5) Data Back up
Always back up data in another separate system. It is good to have a few regular backups. It helps preventing data loss in the event of the attack. Backups should be done regularly.
6) Educate your children about the dangers
You should teach your children how to use internet safely without taking them off the social networks. Identity thieves often use the date of the children because their data is always clean and more easily accessible. They should be taught not to share their personal information with anybody.
7) Protecting yourself against identity theft
Thieves often represent themselves as a telecommunication operator or a bank officer. They can easily trick especially old people or children. The other way is to get your bank data through your post. You shouldn’t leave your data unprotected. So always lock your smartphones, burn or shred personal information or bank statements and don’t throw them in the bin. Sharing information about your holidays on social networks is not a good idea because identity theft can happen to anyone anywhere.
8) Use secure websites
The website you use should start with “https”. Watch for the ”s” in https because it stands for secure, this means that our data is encrypted. In this way you will have a secure connection. Don’t trust the website without contact data. A website should always be a “trusted website”.
If you notice anything suspicious, you should contact the police and your bank if we think our date or identity was stolen.