Don’t be a victim – protect yourself from cybercrime

Cybercrime is rapidly growing, and it is no longer a matter of if you will become a victim, but when. By 2021, it is expected that cybercrime damages will reach $6 trillion annually. This staggering figure shows that cybercriminals will continue to exploit people’s vulnerabilities, and it is crucial that you protect yourself. Here are ten tips you can follow to safeguard yourself against cybercrime:

1. Use Strong Passwords: A strong password should be at least 8 characters long and include a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts to prevent cybercriminals from accessing your other accounts when one is compromised.

2. Use Two-factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security to your login process by requiring two forms of identification, including a password and a unique code sent to your phone or email address before accessing your account. Even if your password is stolen, cybercriminals cannot access your account without the unique code.

3. Keep Your Software Up-to-Date: Cybercriminals exploit security vulnerabilities in software to gain access to your computer. Keep your software up-to-date, as it contains patches that fix security vulnerabilities found after the initial release.

4. Don’t Click Suspicious Links: Cybercriminals send phishing emails with malicious links that take you to websites designed to steal your information. Hover over the link to see the URL before clicking it. If the URL looks suspicious or different from what you expected, avoid clicking on it.

5. Don’t Share Personal Information Online: Be careful when sharing personal information online because cybercriminals can use the information you share to impersonate you, take out loans in your name, or acquire credit cards. Do not share your social security number, driver’s license, or bank account information online.

6. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network: A poorly secured Wi-Fi network provides an easy entry point for cybercriminals. Change your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password from the default values to unique ones that are difficult to guess. Use a strong encryption method, such as WPA2, and enable MAC address filtering to ensure only authorized devices can access your Wi-Fi network.

7. Install Antivirus Software: An antivirus software protects your computer from malware, ransomware, and other malicious software by detecting and removing them. Install antivirus software, keep it up-to-date, and run regular scans on your computer.

8. Backup Your Data: Data backup is crucial because you can safely store a copy of your data on a backup drive in case of a ransomware attack, and you don’t have to pay a ransom to access your data. Backup your data regularly to a cloud storage service or an external hard drive.

9. Use Virtual Private Networks (VPN): A VPN creates a secure encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, making it difficult for cybercriminals to intercept your internet traffic. Always use a VPN, especially when connected to a public Wi-Fi network.

10. Be Vigilant: Finally, you need to be vigilant when online to avoid falling prey to cyber-attacks. Don’t open unexpected email attachments, beware of pop-up windows and ads that seem too good to be true, and be cautious of unsolicited phone calls from people claiming to be from reputable companies. Educate yourself on how cybercriminals operate and the latest trends in cybercrime.

In conclusion, cybercrime poses a severe threat to your security and privacy, but by implementing these tips, you can significantly reduce the risks of becoming a victim. Always stay ahead of cybercriminals by using new security measures and staying informed about the latest threats. Protect yourself from cybercrime today.