How to Protect Yourself From The Increase in Computer Scams

During the last 12 months, more than 223 thousand computer fraud crimes have been registered in many countries. The data contrasts with the 139 thousand that occurred in 2019, which means that this type of crime has increased by 60.5% since the pandemic began. 

This follows the Criminality Balance published by the Ministry of the Interior this Thursday.

The pandemic has exponentially boosted the use of technology, which means that more and more people, and for longer, are exposed not only to its advantages but also to the dangers present on the network, they explain to Kaspersky.

From the data entered in an online store to virtual banking operations or the hyperlinks we receive on WhatsApp can endanger our equipment and the information stored on it. 

And it is that although 61% of children worldwide acquire their first device when they are between 8 and 12 years old, Kaspersky experts point out that education on network security is still scarce.

We learn to use connected devices early, but we are rarely taught how to protect ourselves from cyber threats. Even in many companies, there is still a significant lack of awareness regarding the education of employees in cybersecurity matters, they add.

The rise of telecommuting has also contributed to making company data more exposed. According to experts, many employees work at home with devices that do not have adequate protection programs. 

Likewise, working connected to public Wi-Fi networks, such as coffee shops or coworking spaces, can also put organizations’ data at risk. This, together with little training in cybersecurity, creates the perfect scenario for cybercriminals to commit their crimes.

To Stay Protected Against Scams and Cyber Attacks:

1. Do not download email attachments from unknown senders. Even if it comes from a friend or known contact, it is essential to analyze the file before downloading it.
2. Before clicking on a link, hover over it with your mouse to check that the hyperlink leads to a secure web page.
3. Do not enter your data on websites of doubtful trust that are not official or that do not have the ‘https’ before the web domain.
4. It has cybersecurity products that allow detecting and dealing with possible threats.
5. For companies, provide the team with basic cybersecurity training.