CYBER CRIME
Cyber crime is criminal activity that either targets or uses a computer, a computer network or a networked device where all the confidential information is intercepted or disclosed, lawfully or otherwise.Cyber crimes crossing international borders and involving the actions of at least one nation-state are sometimes referred to as cyber warfare.
Mostly, cyber crime is committed by cyber criminals or hackers who want to make money. Cyber crime is carried out by individuals or organizations. Some cyber criminals are organized as they use advanced techniques and are highly technically skilled while others are newbie hackers.
WHAT CAUSES CYBER CRIMES?
Cyber criminals are always on a lookout for ways to make huge money through easy approaches. Their major targets are multinational companies and rich businessmen who possess an infinite amount of confidential data.
1. Easy Access System: It is often difficult or impossible to safeguard a system from data breaches that involve complex technologies.The skilled hackers can get unauthorized access by breaching access codes, retina images, voice recognition, etc. They can easily fool the biometric system and pass through the firewall of the system.
2.Storing Data in a Small Space: .Storing data in a small space makes it easier for hackers to steal data in no time and utilize it for their own profit. Hence, it is advised not to store all the necessary data on the system and segregate it in different places.
3.Complex Coding: Codes vulnerable to errors. Though the slightest loop in the codes might not make a big difference in the functions of the operating system, these gaps can be easily exploited by the cyber-criminal. They can slip in through these loopholes and make the operating system malicious for the users.
3.Negligence: Anything that we neglect and consider easy to ignore can turn into a grave concern. Cyber crime works the same way. Negligence in ensuring the security of your system can bring you big troubles. A little negligence at your end can provide a welcoming aisle for cyber criminals.
4.Loss of Evidence : Hackers generally attack your system in sections and the evidence regarding their first breach can be easily destroyed. Loss of evidence can become an important cause of cyber crime that can possibly disable your system and make it more vulnerable to the cyber attacks.
5.Evolution of Cyber Crime : According to a report prepared by the FBI and Association of Computing Machinery, the cyber crimes witnessed in the last few years were not only empowered by technology but also with skills teens learn from schools. There are several major causes of cyber crimes that make them a concerning issue of the digital world.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
So, now you understand the threat cyber crime represents, what are the best ways to protect your computer and your personal data? Here are some tips to prevent cyber crimes:
- Amend : Keep software and operating system updated to ensure that you benefit from the latest security patches to protect your computer from being attacked by the hacker.
- Install Antivirus : Anti-virus software allows you to scan, detect and remove threats before they become a problem.Using anti-virus or a comprehensive internet security solution like Kaspersky Total Security is a smart way to protect your system from attacks.
- Use strong passwords : Be sure to use strong passwords that people cannot guess and do not record them anywhere or use a reputable password manager to generate strong passwords randomly to make this easier.
- Never open attachments in spam emails: A classic way that computers get infected by malware attacks and other forms of cyber crime is via email attachments in spam emails. Never open an attachment from a sender you do not know.
- Contact companies directly about suspicious requests: If you get asked for data from a company who has called you, hang up. Call them back using the number on their official website to ensure you are speaking to them and not a cyber criminal. Ideally, use a different phone because cyber criminals can hold the line open. When you think you’ve re-dialed, they can pretend to be from the bank or other organization that you think you’re speaking to.
