Top 4 cyber crimes and easy ways of prevention
Living life at a super-fast pace with all the digital benefits is indeed remarkable. Human beings, with their superior intelligence, have made this possible. Probably, there is no area left untouched by digitalization. Without a doubt, it’s a significant advancement rather than just a revolution. However, this smooth pace faces significant interruptions when encountering cyber threats and problems. In this decade, not only has global warming reached alarming levels, but the number of cyber frauds and crimes has also increased dramatically. And that is truly alarming!
From stealing confidential government and business data to swindling money from others, cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities at any moment if proper safety measures aren’t taken. Sometimes, it feels that along with health awareness programs, governments should also raise awareness among citizens about these crimes through campaigns to protect their digital lives.
There are various types of cybercrimes; this article will discuss the top four:
Phishing Scams- In this type of scam, hackers attempt to extract personal or sensitive information from computer and mobile users. Phishing websites facilitate this fraud by mimicking legitimate websites to fool unsuspecting users. When users share private information such as addresses, banking passwords, or PINs, hackers steal them instantly. To avoid falling victim to these mimic websites, users are advised to utilize the phishing filter feature on their browsers.
Identity Theft- Sometimes, cyber crooks gain access to your cards or banking details, which they then use to make unauthorized purchases. While stealing others’ identity details is an age-old game, it has become more prevalent in the virtual world. Regularly monitoring your digital accounts is the easiest and most inexpensive way to protect yourself from this kind of scam.
Online Harassment- Harassment no longer requires face-to-face interaction. With numerous social platforms available, individuals can easily engage in online stalking, bullying, or harassment. Unfortunately, some teenagers have even committed suicide after enduring repeated cyberbullying. To combat this, it’s crucial to report such activities to the relevant authorities before they escalate. Additionally, practicing self-precaution by limiting the sharing of personal information online can help prevent harassment.
Cyberstalking- Cyberstalkers and blackmailers are closely related. They can infect a user’s computer with malware capable of logging the computer’s activity, allowing continuous harassment of their target victims. Sometimes, colleagues, friends, and relatives of the main victim also face problems. Just like online harassment, these cases should be reported to the authorities promptly.
These are the most common cybercrimes that one can face at any time if proper safety measures aren’t taken. The worst part is that hackers possess the same level of intelligence. The only way to prevent such crimes is through proper safety measures and awareness. Refrain from downloading random apps, skipping device updates, and using a computer without proper security software.
