When you think of crimes like theft, conventional wisdom says that safes, locks, and heavy doors are your best protection. Unfortunately, while modern trends and technology have revolutionized society in plenty of wonderful ways, they have also created vulnerabilities that the average consumer knows very little about.
Modern crime centers very much around the theft of valuable data, and it is fueled by ignorance regarding the subject. As such, it’s extremely important for the average citizen to learn how to keep their data safe and secure from cybercriminals. According to DeVry University’s resources on cybercrime, here are five of the best ways to protect your devices from cybercrime:
1. Understand That You’re At Risk
As stated above, perhaps the biggest reason that cybercriminals are so successful is that they don’t have to try that hard. The perfect target is an unsuspecting one, and average citizens around the world make the mistake of thinking they’re safe every single day. If you think that your data is secure, think again.
The Equifax hack of 2017 affected more than 145.5 million consumers — half of all Americans, essentially — and many still are unsure whether or not they’ve been affected. The information stolen included names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and in some cases, driver’s license and credit card numbers. The moral of the story here is that everybody, rich, poor, young, and old, is vulnerable to cyberattack.
2. Don’t Store Personal Information On Websites
Now that you understand that you’re not immune to attack, it’s time to adjust your behaviors with that new knowledge in mind. This means that you need to know where your information is at all times, as well as where it isn’t. Going forward, if you can help it, try not to store any of your personal information on websites. Quick checkout is a fantastic luxury, but the unfortunate reality is that when you store your information online for convenient purchases, you’re also making it more convenient for cybercriminals to steal in one large fell swoop.
Of course, there are instances where you don’t have much control over the security of your online information. The Equifax hack is a perfect example of this. Still, it’s worth limiting your risk by doing as much as you can to keep yourself and your data safe from exposure.
3. Use Only Credit Cards — Not Debit Cards — When Shopping Online
Part of limiting exposure means limiting what type of information you submit unto the depths of the internet. To be as safe as possible, limit your shopping and spending online to credit card use only when you can. The reason for this is that credit cards are often easier to cancel, and have different protections to ensure against fraud and theft. Losing your debit card numbers to criminals can end up being much worse than losing your credit card.
4. If It’s Too Good To Be True…
Remember those Nigerian Prince email scams? The offers involved were enticing and seemingly without repercussion — all I need to do is send a Western Union check to somebody outside of our country and they’ll pay me back, plus a bunch more money for my trouble? Sounds awesome! Unfortunately, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
This is just as true now, but the difference is that attackers aren’t just enticing people with money. They’re posing as authoritative figures to try and get marks to give up bank account numbers, personal information, etc. The lesson here is that you should never trust anybody blindly on the internet. Always double check via alternative means of communication that anybody requesting your information truly is who they say they are
5. Replace Existing Credit Cards With Chip Cards
Last but not least, remember to replace existing credit cards with chip-cards. Credit card scammers are easily attached to real-world card readers, such as the ones you find at gas stations. Criminals then intercept the transaction, can view your numbers, and steal your information. Chip cards prevent this from happening.
“Popularized in Europe, chip cards possess the necessary encrypted information to eliminate delays in the transaction process,” write the authors on the DeVry blog. “Doing so closes the window criminals need to steal your personal information, thus protecting you from identity theft.”
By following these tips, you’re giving yourself a chance against cybercriminals — but always remember that there are no guarantees against risk. This is exactly why entrepreneurs and small business owners who deal with not only their own data, but customer and client data as well, are investing in data breach insurance, just in case.
The ultimate lesson here is to always be alert and informed. If you’re always aware of what is going on with your data and how it is being stored, you’ll be a leg up over most people. Vigilance and knowledge are your best defense against the modern criminal, because criminal success relies heavily on ignorance and sedentary attitudes. Don’t be a victim. Stay informed.
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