How to protect yourself from Cyber crime?
With the rise of digitization, cyber crime has risen exponentially as well. Companies are fighting back against breaches and cyber threats through stronger firewalls, security support, and protection of data. Despite these measures, cybercrime hasn’t decreased in recent years.
Norton.com points out,
Cybercrime continues to evolve, with new threats surfacing every year. When you hear and read about the range of cybercrimes out there, you might be tempted to stop using the internet entirely. That’s probably too drastic.
What is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime or cyber-criminal activity highlights that crime committed by a person or organization targeted against a computer, computer network, or a networked device.
Hundreds of cyber breaches occur throughout the US every day. The total loss from cyber-related crime accounted for $14.7 billion in 2018. The number rose by $3.5 billion in 2019.
Not every cyber crime is intended for making a profit or damaging resources.
The state of California reported the most amount of cyber crime victims in 2019. The number amounted to 50,132 victims. California is followed by Florida, Texas, New York, and Washington.
Some of the most common cyber crimes include; Email and internet fraud, Identity fraud (where personal information is stolen and used), Theft of financial or card payment data, Theft and sale of corporate data, Cyberextortion, Ransomware attacks (a type of cyber extortion), Cyberespionage, etc.
What are the different types of Cybercrime?.
Online impersonation
It’s a criminal act to use another person’s name, domain address, phone number, and other identifying information without their consent or for the purpose of causing harm to others.
Social Network Fraud
Creating fake profiles and sending fake messages to other users on social media accounts for social network fraud. However, a crime is only proved to be committed if the fake user has the purpose of causing harm or fraud.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying occurs when people use the internet to intimidate, harass, threaten, or belittle others. Such actions may carry the possibility of civil liability.
Trafficking passwords
Under 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(6), it is a crime for a person to, knowingly and with intent to defraud, traffic passwords if they may affect interstate or foreign commerce.
Cyber extortion
Cyber extortion refers to threatening a person or organization to damage a computer in order to extort money, information, or anything valuable.
Extortionists frequently use computer viruses, malware, or distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks to force their victims to comply. Ransomware is a popular example of cyber extortion.
Child pornography
Creating, possessing, or distributing pornographic images of a minor is illegal and carries a stricter criminal sentence in the court of law. If this crime is committed, both state and federal authorities could seek prosecution.
Identity Theft
Technology has allowed identity theft to flourish where thieves often use computers to steal and sell social security numbers, bank account information, and credit card information.
Unauthorized System Access
Under both federal and state law, it is illegal to knowingly access a computer, computer network, or computer system without the consent of the owner.
Internet Piracy
Internet piracy is a common cybercrime that involves the unlawful dissemination of copyrighted material without the permission of the owner. This may include the illegal sharing of movies, songs, video games, etc
Online solicitation
Under federal law, it is illegal to use mail, the internet, or any other form of interstate or international communication to solicit a minor for sex.
What areCybersecurity and Cybercrime Law?
Cyberlaw, also known as cybercrime law, is legislation focused on the acceptable behavioral use of technology including computer hardware and software, the internet, and networks. Cyberlaw helps protect users from harm by enabling the investigation and prosecution of online criminal activity.
Cyber Security is often known as computer security or information technology security. It highlights the security or protection of computer systems and networks from theft or damage, disruption or misdirection of the services.
Cybersecurity and cybercrime law are interchangeable in many different ways, where both address the need for security against cybercrime.
Cybercrime law is also a federal law that provides rules of conduct and standards of behavior for the use of the Internet, computers, and related digital technologies, and the actions of the public, government, and private organizations.
How can you protect yourself from Cybercrime?
There are two ways of protecting yourself from cybercrime; one is through your own personal measures and the other is through law against cybercrime.
Here is detail info graphic on how we can prevent cyber crime.
The primary protection you can utilize against cyber crime entirely relies on you. This includes protecting your computer and personal data by,
• keeping software and operating system updated
• Using strong anti-virus software and firewall system
• Using strong passwords
• Preventing email phishing by avoiding clicking or opening suspicious links
• Deleting spam email and reporting the sender
• Avoiding giving out personal information on the internet
• Keeping personal information secured and safe using multi-factor authentication
- Reporting suspicious activities such as hacking, data pilferage, etc.
The cybercrime law and federal/state law amendments allow you to file a case against a person or organization and seek damage when you feel they have breached your online security or caused damage through data theft, identity theft, cyberextortion, etc.
You can seek the assistance of a cybercrime lawyer or cyber lawyer who will prosecute and defend against allegations of fraud using the internet.
They specialize in practicing cyber law that covers fraud, copyright issues, defamation, online harassment and stalking, trade secrets, etc.
Here is yet another info graphics that focuses on Cyber Crime.
Mark Gray Law Firm is the best law firm agency based in ankeny and urbandale. Visit our website for information or call us for any inquires.
