We’ve all gotten the email about a long-lost distant relative who’s recently died and left behind gazillions that’s yours to inherit—if you provide your bank account and Social Security numbers right away.
When it comes to cybercrime, the Nigerian prince scheme is easy to spot. But not every attempt is that see-through. If there’s one thing you can rely on, it’s criminals getting craftier. This October during National Crime Prevention Month, build up your defenses against the biggest threat to everyday people: Cybercrime.
How big is the threat?
Cybercrime is the fastest-growing crime in the world—and it can happen to anyone.
With rapid advancements in technology, cybercrime has become the fastest-growing criminal activity. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report, cybercrime increased 10 percent in 2023 over the previous year: More than 880,000 complaints were made, resulting in $12.5 billion in losses.
And individuals aren’t the only targets; some of the biggest companies in the world have fallen victim to cybercrime. This year, AT&T, Ticketmaster, Dell, and Bank of America—just to name a few—have all been hacked, resulting in millions of customer records being leaked.
Phishing attacks are the most common form of cybercrime.
Phishing, where criminals trick individuals into giving personal or company information through fake emails or websites, is the most prevalent form of cybercrime. Nearly 300,000 instances of phishing were reported in 2023.
Ransom notes aren’t just for kidnappings…
Ransomware, where criminals lock a victim’s data and demand payment to unlock it, has become increasingly common—though larger corporations that house lots of personal data (and have the funds to pay a hefty ransom) are more commonly targeted than individuals. In 2023, more than 317 million ransomware attempts were made worldwide.
Cybercrime doesn’t always happen online.
Social engineering attacks, where criminals manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information through phone calls or in-person interactions, are often combined with cybercrime techniques. Some even impersonate law enforcement or government agencies to compel their victims into sending money in order to avoid legal action, or they may impersonate a friend or family member who’s facing dire consequences and needs immediate help.
How can you protect yourself?
You don’t really have a long-lost rich uncle, and no one recorded you watching porn. Trust me.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Likewise, if it sounds too bad to be true, it probably is. Don’t fall for it.
But phishing attempts look like regular emails, too. Just make it your SOP not to click on links or download attachments in unsolicited emails or messages, even if they seem to come from a legitimate source. Always verify the sender’s identity before engaging.
Hint: Look at the email address! If the sender’s name is someone you know or a well-known company you work with, but the message is weird, you might see that the email address is some gibberish at gmail.com. Bonus hint: Are there a lot of typos or misspellings—maybe even in the company’s name? That’s a red flag!
Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Every. Single. Account.
Did you know “password” is one of the most common passwords? If you use “password”—or any variation thereof—for any of your online accounts, change them. Now. Another common mistake is choosing one password and using it for multiple sites.
Instead, create a new password that combines letters, numbers, and symbols for each website. Most browsers will allow you to create an account (yes, you’ll need another password!) so you can store your passwords securely. They’ll even generate a strong password for you. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
Double up with Two-Factor Authentication.
Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), which requires two forms of identification, to log in to your accounts. This could mean you first enter your password, then have to enter a one-time code sent via email or text, to access your account. Or a password and a fingerprint scan. This adds an extra layer of security, so even if someone does figure out your password, they won’t be able to pass the fingerprint test!
Regularly Update Your Software.
I know Windows is always sending out like 127 critical security updates that take three hours to complete, but it’s in your best interest to let your computer do its thing. Keeping your operating system, apps, and antivirus software up to date ensures your devices get security patches that protect against the latest hacking attempts.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions.
Found a passwordless public wi-fi network? Score! As long as you’re not conducting top-secret spy business on that network. Public wi-fi networks are often insecure (even if they require a password), making it easy for cybercriminals to intercept your data. Avoid accessing bank accounts or making online purchases while on public wi-fi. You can wait until you get home to order that top-of-the-line robot lawnmower.
