How to Protect Yourself Against Cybercrime
Cybercrime is an incredibly complex and widespread problem. But if you take the time to understand the different threats, you can improve your protection.
Cyber crime involves attacks on computer systems and networks to steal or disrupt data, systems or services. It includes malware attacks such as viruses, worms and Trojan horses to gain unauthorized access to systems; ransomware encrypts victim data and then demands payment for the decryption key; and attacks that aim to cause disruption to a system like DDoS (distributed denial of service).
The goal of cybercriminals is normally financial gains but they can be motivated by a variety of other factors including a vendetta, a political or social movement they believe in, the desire to improve their status in hacker circles and simply a sense of notoriety.
Most cybercrimes involve obtaining information from computers, laptops and mobile devices. This information can be used for a variety of purposes including identity theft, bank fraud and credit card fraud. One of the largest cyberattacks in history was the Target breach, where hackers stole personal details from millions of customers using a hack on a company that operated their heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
Cybercriminals are also increasingly targeting vital services, such as hospitals and transportation networks. For example, the Colonial Pipeline attack in 2021 caused a significant interruption to fuel delivery and potentially put lives at risk. The attackers in this case used a combination of social engineering and ransomware to fool victims into handing over their credentials and money.