How to Educate Others About Cybercrime
Mar 16, 2022
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Technology has advanced so much that our modern society has become heavily reliant on it. It’s extremely rare to meet someone in this day and age who doesn’t have a device of some sort, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
In fact, our modern world has become so dependent on technological devices that it’s almost impossible to find a job or be hired if you don’t have one. This means that billions of people around the world have their own devices, and these devices have made our lives much easier and more convenient.
However, there is a catch. With the rise in screen time over the years across the globe, there has also been a spike in cybercrime. Many people overlook the importance of cybersecurity on their devices, however, cybercrime is dangerous and often more dangerous than many people might realize. Read on to discover the importance of cybersecurity and why you should teach others about it too.
Why is Cybersecurity Important for Everyone?
Cybercrime has been on the rise in recent years, and while it is crucial for you to keep your own device protected, you must also ensure that those around you are also keeping their devices secure. If their devices are breached, yours could still be at risk.
We can’t control what other people do on their devices. If they are clicking on suspicious links or opening email attachments from unknown sources they are not only putting their own devices at risk but also those that they are in contact with.
Malicious software such as viruses can be installed on people’s devices, sometimes without the user knowing about it. The malware can also be ‘transmitted’ from one device to another in several different ways.
If malware has been installed on your device you might not know about it either, unless you have the correct cybersecurity measures in place. There’s a lot at stake when it comes to cybercrime, and the last thing you want is to become the victim of a cyberattack.
It is best to help your friends and family with their own cybersecurity. It is most effective to explain to them why cybersecurity is so important, especially in this day and age, as well as suggest some key cybersecurity tools they need to get for their devices.
What Damage Can Cybercriminals do When Breaching Devices?
Once cybercriminals infiltrate one of your devices they can do some serious damage. They have several different tactics they can use to commit crimes with the information on your device.
For example, they can break into your browser’s password manager and steal your login credentials. This will give them access to all of your accounts including emails and bank accounts which can pose a serious threat to you.
If a cybercriminal were to break into your bank account they can transfer money or commit fraudulent transactions. If a hacker is able to gain access to your email account they can also use your email address to send phishing scams to your friends and family, which will then put their accounts at risk as well.
Hackers can also install malicious software on your devices. This is often done by attaching the damaging software to emails. As soon as you open the attachment the malware will be installed on your device. These emails might be sent to your friends and family which can put their devices at risk as well.
Modern-day cybercriminals can also use social engineering to get users to willingly install malicious software on their devices. They can even do this by creating fake cybersecurity software which is used to trick people into giving the hackers easy access to their devices. While the victim believes that they are installing security software that will protect their devices, they would actually be installing software that puts them more at risk than before.
Cybercriminals can commit other crimes when they get hold of your information. They can also commit identity theft and open accounts in your name They also have the option of selling your information on the dark web to other criminals.. These crimes can lead to devastating consequences for you, and if you’re not careful you could end up in some serious trouble.
What Are The Best Cybersecurity Tools to Have?
When teaching your friends and family about the importance of cybersecurity you must have some security measures that you can recommend to them. There are three tools that are necessary to keep your devices secure. There are many more cybersecurity tools out there, but before installing them on your device you should first do thorough research to see whether they are worth your time or not.
The first cybersecurity tool you need to use is a VPN. VPN software is capable of encrypting your internet connection. This will give you extra privacy and encryption as no websites will be able to collect your data or browsing history. Even your internet service provider won’t be able to see what you are doing on your device.
It is important to use a premium VPN as opposed to a free option. Free VPNs have several limitations that you need to keep in mind. Free VPNs will often have speed limits, daily data caps, and limited global servers to choose from. All of these factors can affect your device’s privacy and security.
Another cybersecurity tool that is important is antivirus software. Having antivirus software installed on your device will keep your device safe from any malicious software. Premium antivirus will constantly scan your device for any malware and it will take the necessary steps to remove it from your device.
It is crucial to always ensure that your antivirus software is up to date. Software updates are regularly sent out to ensure that your defense is up to scratch. Updates are often used to fix flaws in the system or add extra layers of defense against new hacking tactics.
Finally, you need to use strong and unique passwords. These can be difficult to remember, so the best thing to do is use a premium password manager. Third-party password managers are more secure than the standard ones found on your default browser, which could easily be breached.