Cybercrime is on the increase and according to James Lewis, senior vice president at CSIS, “Cybercrime is relentless, undiminished, and unlikely to stop.” “It is just too easy and too rewarding, and the chances of being caught and punished are perceived as being too low.” Lewis says that poorly-protected IoT devices are of particular concern allowing approaches to steal personal information or gain access to valuable data or networks. Cybercriminals also use botnets to create massive denial-of-service attacks. Consequently, the growth in costs attributed to cybercrime is as a result of cybercriminals embracing new attack technologies, new Internet users coming from countries with weak cybersecurity, and online crime is becoming easier through cybercrime-as-a-service and other business schemes.

Internet security suites can only protect users from potential dangers like spyware, ransomware and malware to a certain extent. Additionally, through social engineering, cybercriminals use human-to-human interaction to get the user to disclose information. This exploitation of human nature and emotional reactions allows attackers to try and trick users both online and offline. What follows are ways to keep yourself safe from these kinds of attacks.

Don’t Open Mail from Strangers

By using a pressing and appealing scenario, usually involving a banking or another online account, cybercriminals use scare tactics to trick users into divulging personal information. The best advice is to never open a phishing email with malware attached since drive-by downloads can install malware on your hard drive without you even agreeing to download. In some cases, it is disguised as a standard system update or another innocent looking “yes / no” question.

Use Strong Passwords and Change Them Frequently

Learn to use strong passwords and do not use birth dates, the names of pets, children or other family members whose details can be garnered from social media platforms. Use a password that is easy to remember, but difficult to decipher by would-be attackers and brute force programs that factually try every combination to guess passwords. An abbreviated sentence is often better than a single word with numbers and symbols inserted. Consider using a password management app to generate and store your passwords. A strong password is one that is unique and complex—at least 15 characters long, mixing letters, numbers and special characters.

Don’t click on strange-looking links

Check whether family, friends or colleagues inadvertently included an unfamiliar hyperlink in a message delivered to you before opening it. Viruses and other forms of malware often spread because you click on a link from someone you know because of the appeal of the subscript such as funny videos and images. Internet security software provides a vital layer of security and will detect and remove most malware. Also, stay current with your operating system’s updates and updates to applications you use.

Back up Your Data Regularly

The responsible thing to do is to backup all data to an external drive or the cloud. If you should fall victim to a ransomware attack, your data will be inaccessible. Backing up data ensures that security breaches are far less problematic. If a hacker encrypts your data and demands a ransom to unencrypt it, you will not be kept ransomed since you are not forced to pay encryption fees demanded.

Make Sure Your Internet Connection is Secure. Use a Secure VPN Connection

By using a secure VPN connection (virtual private network), you will have a secure connection between your device and an Internet server that is not monitored or accessible to cybercriminals. A VPN is a connection method used to add security and privacy to private and public networks, like Wi-Fi Hotspots and the Internet. Virtual Private Networks are often used by organisations to protect sensitive data. Using a personal VPN is increasingly becoming popular among private individuals as privacy is increased because the user’s initial IP address is replaced with one from the Virtual Private Network provider.

Be Careful What You Download

Cybercriminals aim to trick users into downloading malware which involves programs or apps that try to steal information. Malware gains full access to all device network traffic, making it an outstanding opportunity to steal private and personal data. Given that Android is the biggest mobile operating system on the planet, its popularity can it make it harder to police. Lukas Stefanko, security researcher, recently found 13 apps on the Google Play Store containing malware. The apps had been downloaded by 560,000 people when the malware was found. When downloading apps, check the developer’s name as well as other users’ reviews. Avoid downloading the app that do not appear authentic. By downloading suspicious looking content, both from websites and peer-to-peer file-sharing programs, you may inadvertently allow viruses onto your computer. By downloading insecure apps or content, you may also unintentionally install adware and may have your firewall breached.