It does not seem to matter much how much security you put around and in your home. Criminals have found a new way to break into your house and take from you without your permission. Law enforcement people call this new breed of criminal cybercriminals. Their favorite method of breaking into your life is through your very own computer.
Every day, there are multiple stories in the news about how cybercriminals a reigning terror on unsuspecting people all over the world. Collectively, these high tech criminals are raking in hundreds of billions of dollars a year. They may be coming for you.
The best chance you have of protecting yourself from cybercrime is for you to understand how your computer/laptop/mobile device has become a magnet for criminals that live in the shadows. For a little better understanding of cybercrime and how to protect yourself, you need to read the following information.
What Cybercriminals Want From You
To be clear, cybercriminals want everything they can get from you through your computer or other electronic devices. They want access to anything they can turn into cash. They want your identity. They want access to information about your friends and family members. They intend to use this information to turn them into victims as well. Here’s what cybercriminals want access to:
- Access to your taxpayer ID numbers: social security number, business taxpayer numbers
- Your back account
- Your credit/debit card numbers
- Your investment account
- Your logins and password
- Your driver’s license number
- Your auto vehicle information
- Your contact information for family and friends
- Your Healthcare information
This is only a partial list. It would surprise you to find out how much of this information is available on your computer right now. If it’s there, you can bet cybercriminals will figure out how to get it. You need to take steps to protect yourself.
How You Can Protect Yourself From Becoming A Cyber Crime Victim
The easiest thing you can do to protect yourself against hackers is to avoid keeping personal or financial information on your computer. Admittedly, that’s not feasible at a time when people are enjoying the ability to transact all kinds of personal business online. So, what’s the alternative.
The alternative is finding ways to protect your computer from intrusion. Here’s some suggestion:
- Make sure you are using the latest and greatest version of your favorite web browser
- Purchase the best security software you can afford to avoid phishing and bugs
- Test your firewall on a regular basis
- Use the securest social media settings
- Don’t open emails from unknown senders
- Avoid Porn sites
- Install Adblocker and anti-tracking software
Cybercrime has become a major concern for law enforcement and merchants. In the game of cat and mouse, the mice are winning right now. Once they get access to your computer, they will damage you and disappear without a trace. That’s why it’s incumbent on you to take steps to protect yourself.