The Dangers of Cybercrime and How to Protect Yourself
As we become more interconnected, our data and devices are vulnerable to attack. Cybercrime has no physical boundaries, and is a dynamic and growing threat to our national security and economy. Hackers exploit cybersecurity vulnerabilities to steal data, corrupt systems and even destabilize economies. It is a growing epidemic that requires sophisticated tools, dedicated teams and expert investigative capabilities to uncover, investigate and prosecute.
It is important for everyone to be aware of the dangers and how to protect themselves from becoming a victim of cyber crime. The best protection is to be smart online, use a defense-in-depth approach to computer security and to keep your passwords and security settings strong and up to date. It is also recommended to only download trusted apps and software, look beyond the app store reviews and use a robust antivirus and malware solution.
A cyberattack can cost a company millions of dollars, resulting in loss of customers and revenue, diminished brand reputation and a need for extensive remediation and legal costs. Additionally, attacks often result in unauthorized release of confidential information, which can lead to lawsuits and significant regulatory fines.
HSI conducts electronic crimes investigations and supports federal, state, local and international law enforcement partners with world-class training in digital forensics, computer exploitation and more. Our Cyber Crimes Center (C3) provides computer-based technical support to domestic and international investigations into cross-border cybercrimes.