Everywhere
you go you hear talk of the increasing issues of cyber crime. What many people
don’t know is that cyber crime does not just involve hackers. These crimes
include any criminal act dealing with computers and networks. Traditional
crimes such as credit card threats, hate crimes, and fraud are becoming
extremely prevalent in the internet world. The growing threat of cyber crime has become a
great concern to people everywhere. You can alleviate your stress and control a
majority of the risk when it comes to internet crime.
How can you
protect yourself?
1.
Use
preventative measures
All of your computers should be installed with spyware or
antivirus programs. Viruses will always be present. You’ve probably heard “The
best defense is a good offense,” this holds true when it comes to computer
protection as well. These programs allow you to protect your property by being
proactive. The installation of antivirus programs and active updating will
allow for a secure computer.
2.
Passwords
are important!
Passwords are of extreme importance on any site. They allow you
access confidential information, while keeping unwanted users out. When it
comes to passwords remember two key words- variety
and strength. To make sure all your
accounts are secure you should have a variety of different passwords for every
account. This will assure you that just because an outsider gains access to one
account, they won’t necessarily gain access to a separate account. The strength
of your password is also extremely important.
Your password should be lengthy including upper and lower case letters
as well as symbols.
3.
Wireless
connections must be secure
You’re sitting at lunch, and the urge to interact on social media
sets in. Or maybe you want to do some lunch time shopping. You realize the there is a network you can
have access to, PERFECT! Why not connect your laptop and spend your time on the
web? STOP! Is this a secure network? If the internet is not secure anyone can
connect to it. This poses a major problem because information passed from your
computer to the wireless router can be intercepted by a third party. If the
connection is not secure you might as well hand your credit card over to some
stranger walking down the street, you are giving your personal information away
for free.
4.
Protect your
Smartphone
Phones are no longer bricks you use minimally for phone calls and
occasional texting. Your cell phone now acts
as a mini computer you use to access email, conduct online banking, shop, and
set your schedule. This diminutive object holds most of your life- protect it
with a password. Phones are commonly stolen due to their value. Don’t let a
thief have access to your personal information as well.
5.
Credit card
numbers should not be saved online.
Those of you who are avid online shoppers, of course it seems
easier just to save your credit card information on the website. Taking the
easy way out could essentially cost you. The website you’re shopping on will
more than likely guarantee your information is secure. There are many incidents
of past hacking attempts on these “secure sites,” leading to stolen personal
information.
6.
Online shop
on secure websites
Security issues are becoming more prevalent with the increased
participation of online shopping. It is important for consumers to verify they
are submitting their information to a secure site. How can you identify a secure
site from one that is not secure? All secure sites will have a padlock icon in
the address bar, as well as an address that begins with Https.
Cyber crime
currently has a higher payoff than drug trafficking. That being said, we can
almost guarantee that the criminal activity will not stop anytime soon. Some
specialists even estimate that crime involving the internet will begin to
surpass all criminal activity. It is impossible for you to control the attacks,
but you can control most of the outcomes. Being proactive and aware can help
ensure a safe internet experience all around. Learn more at www.millennium-groupinc.com.
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