Cybercrime and tips to #BeCyberSmart

Thought Leadership | 31 January 2023

Cybercrime and tips to #BeCyberSmart 

Chances are you have fallen victim to Cyber Crime at one point in your life. More than 800,000 people fall victim to cyberattacks each year and it has only increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some common cybercrimes and how to spot them.

Phishing 

Phishing is a form of cybercrime where attackers deceive people into revealing sensitive information. Attackers "fish" for usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information online on websites that pretend to look legitimate or like sites you have trusted in the past. Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment (most often regarding updating payment details or approving payments). Legitimate companies will never ask you to update or approve payments via links. Tips to avoid phishing,

• Install security software on your device
• Set multi-factor authentication on all your accounts.
• If you are not sure, it's always a good idea to contact the company using a phone number or email address on its website, not the information in the email.

Identity theft 

Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person's personal identifying information, like their name, identifying number, or credit card number, without their permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. Due to the nature of the internet, attackers gain access to personal information through hacking (gaining access to personal documents shared or stored on your device). Other techniques include stealing your mail with personal information out of your garbage bin, stealing account details from a business or medical office you are associated with, or stealing your wallet or purse. Tips to avoid identity theft,

• Monitor Your Financial statements. It's a good idea to set up cell phone/internet banking to receive all payment alerts.
• Use strong passports and add multi-authentication.
• Shred all important documents before throwing them out.
• Check your credit report regularly.

Vaporware

Vaporware is a term used to describe software or products that are announced or promoted but never actually released to the public. It can come in the form of False advertising - exaggerated or misleading claims of a product that does not actually exist. It's a good idea to check the company's track record by doing some research and reading previous customer reviews. Lack of information - lack of detailed information or specifications, making it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions. Never purchase a product without conducting proper research. Samming - promising a product or service that does not exist and collecting payment for it. Check before you pay is a rule of thumb when it comes to the cyber marketplace.

What to do if you are a victim of Cyber Crime

• File a police report as soon as possible.
• Close or freeze the account the cybercriminal is using.
• Keep a record of all activity happening on your account.
• Change all your account passwords.

Sources:

• https://explodingtopics.com/blog/cybersecurity-stats
• Cell C Information Security Department
• https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
• https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-prevent-identity-theft