Cyber Crime
Cyber crime is quite new and not easily understood by many. As the internet is becoming more popular with many as a means to bank, purchase items and connect with people, organised crime groups are constantly looking for ways to exploit people on-line.
There are a number of ways criminal can target you through cyber-crime:
- Consumers (on-line purchases)
- Phishing: bogus emails asking for security information and personal details
- Webcam manager: where criminals takeover your webcam
- File hijacker: where criminals hijack files and hold them to ransom
- Keylogging: where criminals record what you type on your keyboard
- Screenshot manager: allows criminals take screenshots of your computer screen
- Ad clicker: allows a criminal to direct a victim’s computer to click a specific link
Tips and Advice
- When on-line shopping follow these important safety tips – Guide to Shopping Safely online
- Never disclose or write down you password
- Staying safe in the cloud – SAGE Advice
- Make sure any passwords are a selection of letters, numbers and characters
- Although one password helps you remember, it also allows for criminals to access all of your on-line accounts with one password
- Never pay for services on-line if you are unsure of the organisation
- Never disclose any personal details in email or over the telephone
- Your bank will never call and ask you for a full password or on-line banking information
- If a caller asks for on-line information – decline
- Ensure your computer has a firewall and virus software package installed
- Delete any emails asking for information you feel uncomfortable providing
- Never call a number you receive by text or email it may be a premium charge call
- If you are sent an email or text with a link, only click if you are absolutely sure of the source
- If in doubt do not give away information or click on anything
Report any incidents of fraud or online crime to Action Fraud either online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040