8 Rules to Protect Yourself Against Cybercrime | Antivirus Software

Cybercrime is a threat that never sleeps.

You might think that the theft of your financial data is the only form of cybercrime you should fear. But it is not that simple. There are dangers other than those which weigh heavily on your finances. Cybercrime is constantly evolving and giving rise to new threats.

When you hear about crime online, you might be tempted to stop using the internet at all. This reaction would, however, be a little radical.

Instead, to protect your privacy and data, you can start by learning how to recognize cyber threats. Taking simple precautions and knowing who to contact when you see people engaging in criminal activity online are also important habits to adopt.

You might want to learn how to prevent cyber threats, but there you have it: you can't. However, you can take precautions to protect yourself from it.

Cybercrime, What is It?

Cybercrime encompasses all crimes that are committed online or primarily online. Cybercriminals often commit crimes by targeting networks or computing devices. Cybercrime covers several types of malicious acts ranging from the exploitation of a security breach to the theft of personal data.

We can also cite “revenge porn”, cyberstalking, harassment, intimidation, and sexual exploitation of children in this category of crimes. Terrorists can also use the Internet to communicate, thereby transferring their illicit activities and crimes into cyberspace.

How Can You Protect Yourself Against Cyber Threats?

Anyone using the Internet should take a few simple precautions. Here are 8 tips that will help you protect yourself against cyber threats.

1. Adopt a Comprehensive Internet Security Suite

Protegent antivirus provides real-time protection against existing and emerging malware, including ransomware and viruses, and protects your confidential and financial data while you are online.

2. Use Strong Passwords

Do not use the same password on different sites and change them regularly. Make them complex. To do this, use a combination of at least 10 letters, numbers, and symbols. A password manager app can help you protect your passwords.

3. Keep Your Software Up to Date

This is especially important for your operating systems and antivirus software. Cybercriminals frequently use known exploits or flaws in your software to gain access to your system. If you fix these exploits and flaws, the chances of you becoming the target of a cyber threat are reduced.

4. Check Your Social Media Settings

Protect your personal and confidential data on social networks. Cybercriminals can often access your personal data from minimal information. Therefore, the less information you share publicly, the safer you are. For example, if you post your pet's name or reveal your mother's maiden name, you can expose the answers to two common safety questions.

5. Strengthen Your Security on Wi-Fi Networks

To get started, it is recommended that you use a strong encryption password as well as a virtual private network when using public Wi-Fi. A VPN (short for virtual private network) encrypts all traffic leaving your devices until it reaches its destination. If the cybercriminals are successful in hacking your line of communication, they will not intercept anything other than encrypted data. It's a good idea to use a VPN when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network, whether it's at a library, cafe, hotel, or airport.

6. Maintain a Permanent Dialogue With Your Children

You can teach your children good habits for using the Internet while maintaining a constructive dialogue with them. Make sure they know they can come to you if they are being harassed, spied on, or bullied online.

7. Learn About Major Security Holes

If you are shopping at an online retailer or have an account on a website that has been affected by a security breach, make sure you know the type of information that cybercriminals have gained access to and immediately change your password.

8. Take Steps to Protect Yourself Against Personal Data Theft

Personal data theft occurs when someone obtains your personal information fraudulently or by trapping you, usually for profit. How is it possible? You may be lured into revealing personal data on the Internet, for example, or a cybercriminal may steal your physical mail to gain access to account information sent to you. That is why it is important to protect your personal data. A VPN can also help protect the data you send and receive online, especially when accessing the internet on a public Wi-Fi network.

In a way, the fight against cybercrime is everyone's business. See this as an obligation to make your contribution to the fight against cybercrime. For most of us, it comes down to following a few simple, logical rules to keep ourselves and our families safe.