Cyber Crime
In the past, I have shared my thoughts about how to be safe within the community through different topics each month. This month, I would like to share a topic that is sort of tied into what I have learned during the last 10 years.
As some of you may be aware, I work in the security industry as a tactical officer and occasional LPO. As such, I have also been doing some on-going research into cybersecurity and ways in which I can learn why hackers do what they do. So far, it’s still ongoing, as cybercrime is always changing.
To begin with, let’s ask ourselves a question: what is cybercrime? Using our friendly website, Wikipedia, “cybercrime is a crime involving a computer or a computer network. This type of crime can hurt a person’s finances and other personal information.”
During my research, there are many forms of cyberattacks using computers and computing networks. These forms include terrorism, fraud, and cyberextortion. In fact, one of the most famous forms of cybercrime is when hackers gain access to our private information. These hacks can include emails, social media sites, and online banking.
How can we combat cybercrime ourselves? There are numerous ways of doing so. While trying to consider the best answer to this question, I did more looking and found what I think is the best answer. Here are some ways, according to Internet Safety 101®, that we can make sure hackers cannot get into our more sensitive information.
1) Never do banking on unsecure Wi-Fi.
2) Always keep your mobile and computers up to date. This includes all apps as well.
3) Protect your sensitive information by using strong passwords. Cybercriminals look for weak passwords.
Debit and credit card fraud can be another form of cybercrime, as there are ways for hackers to get that information. One of the known ways is through card readers. These card readers are around, but we may not know which stores they are in. So, here are some tips to combat this form of cybercrime:
1) Change your online banking password once or twice a month.
2) Change your pin numbers on your credit and debit cards at least once every two months.
These are two ways to keep your information safe.
For further information, please don’t hesitate to email me anytime.
Until next month,
Richard Bankert, KGCA Director – Safe Streets
Click here to the Killarney-Glengarry Community News home page for the latest Killarney-Glengarry community updates.
