As a private individual, you can only protect yourself against this type of cybercrime by always using the latest software versions. Even if it seems annoying at first when a new security update is carried out, you should always work with the latest software. After all, manufacturers do not publish updates out of charity. Investing in an up-to-date virus protection program is also comparatively cheap. After all, the money and time that must be spent as a victim of such a cybercrime attack clearly outweighs the costs. Companies and institutions need trained experts who know best how to protect their own systems.
The Stolen I
The Stolen IA particularly serious form of cybercrime for those affected is identity theft. Criminals spy on personal data and passwords. They use these to obtain money and goods and to harm the person. In the "best case scenario", the actions that are carried out using a foreign identity can be limited to the use of online shops. The damage then consists of invoices for goods that were never ordered. Later, the corresponding reminders are added to this. Stolen identities can also be misused for serious criminal acts. This can range from credit card fraud to opening online shops. But the data is also misused to acquire child pornography or to spread right-wing extremist propaganda.
The problem is that the people concerned are accused of crimes that their data indicates, but they never committed them. Proving that the data was misused is often difficult. The problems associated with the stolen identity can arise years later.
Anti-Cybercrime: How to Protect Your Identity
Basically, everyone should be careful with their personal data uk phone number data and not give it out carelessly. It is important to use secure passwords with this type of cybercrime. You should also avoid using the same password for multiple services. Criminals are aware of this convenience and will of course use the data they have obtained to test where it might still work.
As a further measure to protect against cybercrime, you should follow the principle of data minimization. Only disclose the information that is necessary to fulfill a contract. For smaller shops, it is advisable not to store credit card information in the customer account. Also pay attention to which mail you throw in the trash. If confidential information can be read in the letters, you should definitely make it unrecognizable beforehand. It is best to shred personal documents immediately before disposing of them. If you are asked to update your data by banks or other services, it is better to access the website directly in the browser. Links sent to you can contain viruses and the like. Good phishing sites are almost indistinguishable from the original site for a layperson, thus opening the door to cybercrime.
And last but not least, do not open attachments in emails from people you do not know who have sent you something unsolicited.
All fake?
There is a lot of talk about fake news, particularly in connection with the last US election. This can also be classified as cybercrime. False information is deliberately spread in order to manipulate and unsettle people. The news, which is now difficult to identify as fake, is then spread to the masses. But it is also published in specific groups. Fake news spreads extremely quickly, especially on social networks. The perceived credibility increases significantly and it takes great effort to counteract it.