Cybercrime is an ongoing threat to everyone who uses the internet. You might think that you’re not at risk because you’re careful about what you click on and you have a good antivirus program. But even the most cautious internet users can be victims of cybercrime. You might be tempted to stop using the internet altogether, but that’s not realistic. The internet is a valuable resource for work, school, and personal use. Instead of giving up the internet, you can take steps to protect yourself from cybercrime. Then also (rather incredibly) one of my colleagues was hit with a computer crime charge, but luckily they were able to defend that case very well (with the help of the leading New Jersey computer crime attorney) so it was not an issue in the end.
Here are 8 tips to help you avoid being a victim of cybercrime:
1. Keep your software up to date
One of the best ways to protect yourself from cybercrime is to keep your software up to date. Cybercriminals exploit security vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to your devices and data. By keeping your software up to date, you can close these security gaps and make it more difficult for cybercriminals to target you.
2. Use strong passwords
Another way to protect yourself from cybercrime is to use strong passwords. Strong passwords are long, complex, and unique. They’re also hard for cybercriminals to guess.
3. Don’t reuse passwords
In addition to using strong passwords, you should also avoid reused passwords. If you use the same password for multiple accounts, a cybercriminal who gains access to one of your accounts can easily gain access to all of your accounts. Use a secure password protect folder to keep all your passwords in one place.
4. Use security features
Most devices come with built-in security features, such as a firewall or antivirus software. These features can help to protect your device from cyber attacks.
5. Use a VPN
A VPN like https://cubik.com.tw/vpn/ (virtual private network) encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location. This makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to intercept your data and helps to protect your privacy.
6. Be cautious about giving out personal information
You should be careful about giving out personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. Cybercriminals can use this information to steal your identity or commit fraud.
7. Be careful about what you click on
One of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to infect your devices with malware is by tricking you into clicking on a malicious link or attachment. Be careful about what you click on, even if it comes from a trusted source. If you’re not sure whether a link or attachment is safe, don’t click on it.
8. Keep a backup
If your device is lost or stolen, you can lose access to your data. To protect yourself from data loss, you should keep a backup of important files and documents. You can store backups on an external hard drive, in the cloud, or on a USB drive.
By following these eight tips, you can help to protect yourself from cybercrime. Remember, even the most cautious internet users can be victims of cybercrime. By taking steps to protect yourself, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim.