Cybercrime is on the rise and it's important for consumers to not only be aware of the dangers but also know how to prevent becoming a victim.
According to the Norton Cybercrime report, it is bigger than the global black market in marijuana, cocaine and heroine combined and is quickly approaching the value of all global drug trafficking with costs to online adults over $338 billion dollars in the last year with $114 billion in direct cash costs.
The top three Cypercrimes include:
- Viruses/Malware
- Online Scame
- Phishing
Other major Cypercrime trends include mobile malware (banking trojans, keystroke loggers), skimming and open hotspots.
Here are some helpful tips that you can do to make sure that you do not become a Cybercrime victim:
- Use strong passwords 8 or more characters, that combine letters, numbers and symbols
- Use different passwords for each site
- Get security software for every device and keep it updated
- Update the operating system of your devices
- Keep confidential data of mobile devices
- Consider encryption
- Avoid public hotspots with confidential data
- Get an app to wipe mobile devices if lost
- Be skeptical
- Use reputable sites/software
- Report cybercrime
- Be safe not sorry!
For more information on this rising issue, visit the links below.
FBI: In-depth look at Cybercrime
Internet Fraud
Taking a trip to the ATM? Beware of Skimmers
Filing a complaint with the IC3
Norton Cybercrime Report
McAfee-Initiative to fight Cybercrime
PCMag-Antivirus
All of the information above was obtained by FOX19's Tech Expert, Dave Hatter. You can watch Dave Wednesday morning at 8:25!
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