Despite the rapid rise in preventative measures, cyber crime is still an ongoing threat in 2019.

The phenomenon continues to evolve each and every year with new and more dastardly threats coming to light that aim to steal our information – both financial and otherwise.

The range of cyber crimes out there could be enough to swear off the internet altogether, yet that is a little drastic, and instead you could learn how to recognise cyber crime and protect yourself against it.

Here are our top tips for tackling cyber crime…

 

CHANGE YOUR PASSWORDS

While you may pick something simple so you can remember it, you risk your devices and online data.

Make sure that your password is at least eight characters long and includes a combination of numbers, letters and symbols. And try not to use words that relate to you. Try instead to use a memory device.

There are also many random password generators available that will create for you a bespoke password.

 

OPT FOR TWO-STEP VERIFICATION

Many online platforms and e-commerce sites offer two-factor verification for your accounts.

This offers an extra layer of security that requires not only a username and password, but also something that only the rightful owner holds or has access to.

Using sites that opt for this makes it far more difficult for cyber criminals to get hold of your data.

 

STEER CLEAR OF DODGY SITES

If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Steer clear of websites that aren’t secure as they could be linked to scams purposely designed to steal your data.

Make sure the sites you’re visiting are legitimate and reputable to keep your private information safe.

 

KEEP YOUR SOFTWARE UPDATED

Keep your programmes and software updated at all times to keep your information safe.

Cyber criminals frequently use known exploits, or flaws, in your software to gain access to your system.

Patching those exploits and flaws can make it less likely that you’ll become a cyber crime target.

 

CHANGE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA SETTINGS

Keep your personal and private information locked down when posting on social media.

Social engineering cyber criminals can often get your personal information with just a few data points, so the less you share publicly, the better.

If you post your pet’s name or reveal your mother’s maiden name, you might expose the answers to two common security questions.

 

STRENGTHEN YOUR HOME NETWORK

It’s a good idea to start with a strong encryption password as well as a virtual private network.

A VPN will encrypt all traffic leaving your devices until it arrives at its destination. If cyber criminals do manage to hack your communication line, they won’t intercept anything but encrypted data.

It’s a good idea to use a VPN whenever you a public Wi-Fi network, whether it’s in a library, cafe, hotel, or airport.

 

MAKE US OF ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE

Anti-virus and anti-malware software is a security must have.

You will find several well-known and effective security apps to keep your devices secure on your app stores, as well as sophisticated programmes available for PCs.

No matter what device you own – you can be sure that there’s personalisable software out there to keep you protected.