Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Secure Our World
Introduction to Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024; Secure Our World October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an important time to focus on the increasing threats of cybercrime and the steps we ...
NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY ALLIANCE
National Cybersecurity Alliance: Empowering a Secure Digital World In an age where our lives are intertwined with technology, ensuring a safe digital environment has become paramount. Amidst this...
What is
CYBERCRIME
Cybercrime is a complex, multifaceted issue that encompasses a wide range of malicious digital activities.
At its core, cybercrime refers to any unlawful act carried out using electronic devices, computer systems, or the internet. This can include everything from hacking and data breaches to online fraud, identity theft, and even the distribution of malware.
Cybercriminals leverage emerging technologies and exploit vulnerabilities to infiltrate secure networks, steal sensitive information, and wreak havoc on individuals, businesses, and entire communities. In today's highly interconnected world, the threat of cybercrime is ever-present and constantly evolving, making it crucial for individuals and organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures. This involves implementing robust security protocols, staying vigilant against suspicious online activities, and fostering a culture of digital responsibility within the community.
By working together to enhance cybersecurity awareness, share best practices, and collectively defend against these sophisticated threats, we can help safeguard our digital landscapes and mitigate the devastating impacts of cybercrime.
A FORM OF FRAUD WHERE SOMEONE PRETENDS TO BE A LEGITIMATE BUSINESS, ORGANIZATION, OR PERSON TO DEFRAUD VICTIMS AND STEAL MONEY OR SENSITIVE INFORMATION.
Imposter scams can be financially devastating and emotionally traumatic. These imposters not only target the vulnerable like the elderly who might be less internet-savvy, they pray on anyone by any means necessary.
THESE SCHEMES COME IN MANY FORMS, FROM FAKE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO PHISHING EMAILS, BUT THEY ALL SHARE THE COMMON GOAL OF SEPARATING PEOPLE FROM THEIR HARD-EARNED SAVINGS.
Scammers are masters of manipulation, using lies, pressure tactics, and elaborate ruses to gain people's trust—grand promises of easy profits or financial relief, preying on people's desires for wealth and security. In the end, despite their outward legitimacy, these scams ultimately deliver nothing of value.
A DANGEROUS CRIME THAT INVOLVES STEALING SOMEONE'S PERSONAL INFORMATION AND USING IT FRAUDUENTLY. OFTEN STARTING WITH THE CRIMINAL OBTAINING PIECES OF PRIVATE DATA LIKE A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, BIRTHDAY OR BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS.
With enough of this key information these criminals can access victim's financial accounts, open new credit cards or loans, or even file fraudulent tax returns.
HACKED
HACKED DEVICES AND ACCOUNTS ARE A GROWING CONCERN IN TODAYS DIGITAL AGE. AS MORE OF OUR LIVES MOVE ONLINE, FROM BANKING AND SHOPPING TO SOCIAL MEDIA AND WORK, THE THREAT FROM HACKERS ALSO INCREASES.
A hacked device or account can lead to stolen personal information, identity theft, financial loss, and embarrassment from leaked private data.
Preventing hacks requires vigilance- using strong unique passwords, enabling two-step authentication, keeping software updated, avoiding suspicious links and downloads, and being alert to phishing attempts. With hacking capabilities advancing, no one is immune. Even the most responsible users can still fall victim. Staying informed about the latest threats and taking preventative measures can help reduce the chances of you or your data falling into the wrong hands.
CYBERBULLYING
HARASSMENT
ARE SERIOUS ISSUES THAT CAN HAVE A DEVASTATING IMPACT ON VICTIMS. WITH THE RISE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION, HARASSING AND BULLYING OTHERS ONLINE HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY COMMON, ESPECIALLY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
Cyberbullying involves using electronic means such as text, emails, messaging platforms, and social media to intentionally embarrass, threaten, intimidate, or target a person. The constant barrage of harassing messages and attacks can lead a victim to feel anxious, depressed, isolated, and even suicidal.
If you or someone you know has these feelings or thoughts please reach out, you are not alone.
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
REACH OUT