In today’s tech-dominating landscape, cyber crimes are increasing at an alarming rate and are responsible for many illegal online activities. These may include financial fraud, leak of confidential data, identity theft, and more. The major highlight of these online crimes is that criminals employ diverse strategies to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information for their personal or political use.
Did you know?
According to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, nearly 13 lakh cyber-attacks were reported in November 2022.
Well, that sounds interesting, doesn’t it? But the moment you hear “Cyberattack” from your future, you might want to shut down the entire system. That’s of no use. A cyber attacker can hack your data even when your PC is closed.
Now, the question arises- How can we prevent such cybercrimes? What are the easy ways to protect our online data?
In this post, we’ll discuss the top 10 ways to protect yourself from cybercrime today, tomorrow, and forever. But before that, let’s understand its meaning in detail!
Understanding Cybercrime: What is it?
In layman’s language, cybercrime is a kind of crime that occurs online or on a digital platform. These attacks generally involve the criminal actions of groups or individuals who exploit computer networks or devices. While some cybercrimes focus on breaching security to gain access to their confidential files, others go beyond traditional hacking.
One such example of an advanced cyberattack is “Revenge Porn”! Under this kind of crime, an attacker distributes explicit images or videos of someone without their consent, often as a means of revenge.
Furthermore, another popular example of a new-age cyberattack may include “Cyber-stalking”! Under this crime, attackers send threatening messages, track someone’s online activities, or spread false information to cause fear and distress.
Even today, cybercrimes show no sign of stopping! Let’s take a look at the statistics related to the cybercrimes in India.
- Customers lost more than Rs 10,00 crore to online fraud between April 2021 and December 31, 2023.
- The number of complaints on NCRP (National Cybercrime Reporting Portal) increased by more than 60% to 15.6 lakh in 2023 from Rs. 9.66 lakhs in 2022.
- Telangana had the highest cybercrime rate of 40.4% while Karnataka and Maharashtra followed at 18.6% and 6.6% respectively.
Considering such concerning facts, keeping aware of cybercrime protection tips has become important! Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Tips to Protect Your Data from Cybercrime
Here is a list of tips to protect your confidential data from cyberattacks. Let’s discuss them!
- Use an Updated System
If you are not using an updated OS or computer, you are at more risk of cyberattacks. Generally, these attackers know the loopholes and weak points of the OS. Since their main job is to illegally access your data, they keep on researching about a specific OS or a system. Ensure you always keep your system updated to avoid running into cyberattacks. When you keep on updating OS from time to time, cybercriminals won’t have time to find ways to enter your system.
- Install a secure internet connection
When you install an internet connection, try to set robust security passwords and VPN (Virtual Private Network) to keep your connection protected. Having a strong PVN helps restrict the illegal traffic to corrupt your connection. Furthermore, avoid sharing your password with anyone.
- Consider a comprehensive internet security suite
Ensure you install a complete internet security suite like Norton 360, Avast, or any other trusted software application. This will prevent hackers from accessing your smartphone or data and keep your personal information safe. If possible, try to purchase these security apps to unlock the premium features of the security software.
- Use strong passwords
If you use a simple password like your name, people around you will find it easy to guess it and might access your system. Whether you are setting your WI-FI or Gmail password, try to use a combination of letters, numbers, special characters, and alphabets. This will help keep your system secure and protected.
- Don’t fall for pop-ups
Whenever you open an app or website, you might have seen pop-ups arise at the top. Though not all pop-ups are bad, there are some installed on malicious websites by attackers who try to steal or hack your system. Ensure you avoid clicking on such pop-ups to protect yourself from cyberattacks.
- Manage your Social Media Settings
If you have a social media account, irrespective of the platform, try to keep it private. Though some users might find it challenging as their work is associated with it, you need to at least only people you may know. Avoid adding unnecessary people or joining unknown groups to keep your personal information safe and secure.
- Educate your children about internet risks
Children are the prime target of attackers. Since they don’t know what to install on their phone or system, they end up being the victim. Ensure you provide proper knowledge to your children about safety tips, what to click, what not to click, whom to add to their social media, and more. These things will keep your children protected from online fraud.
- Protect your financial details
Keep in mind that legal banks and corporations will never ask you for your bank passwords, OTPs, credit card/debit card details, and your personal information. Ensure you don’t provide any of the details to someone claiming to be the bank’s representative. If anyone calls, simply say no or tell them you will visit the branch in person.
- Think twice before using public Wi-Fi
It’s very easy for hackers to hack public WI-FI. They can use your personal information and watch over your activities. Ensure you avoid connecting to public WI-FI claiming to be “Free”. If you want to use the internet in public, use your mobile data, instead.
- Don’t click If there’s a doubt
When browsing on the internet, ensure you refrain from clicking on fishy links, claiming to provide you unimaginable deals. For example, “Win Rs. 1,00,000 lottery in just a click”. These spammy messages are the reason people fall into the trap and end up draining their life savings.
How Does Cybercrime Insurance Protect Against Online Crimes in India?
Even after following the above tips if an individual becomes a victim of online crime, cybercrime insurance can come to the rescue. It provides maximum protection against financial losses resulting from cybersecurity events, such as data breaches. Let’s discuss some of its benefits in detail!
Data Breach Response:
One of the biggest ways in which cybercrime insurance may help protect is that it can cover the costs of notifying affected individuals in the event of a data breach. Furthermore, the insurance aims to provide credit monitoring services and manage public relations to mitigate reputational damage. This coverage helps insured parties comply with data breach notification laws and regulations.
Ransomware Protection:
Another major way that shows the potential of Cybercrime insurance to protect against online crimes is that it often includes coverage for ransomware attacks, where cybercriminals encrypt data and demand a ransom for its release. This coverage may reimburse the insured for ransom payments and expenses incurred in negotiating with cybercriminals.
Protect Against Legal Expense:
Cybercrime insurance extends coverage to encompass legal expenses that may arise as a result of the cyber attack. This includes potential regulatory fines and penalties imposed by governing bodies for non-compliance with data protection laws and regulations. By bearing these legal costs, this insurance provides insured parties with peace of mind and mitigates the financial risks associated with legal proceedings.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Cybercrimes have become prevalent these days! If you want to stay safe and protected, these aforementioned tips will always help you out! Don’t forget to share these simple tips with your friends and family to avoid them becoming a “Victim” of online fraud/cybercrime.
