By 
Today, anyone can become a victim of cybercrime.
However, the good news is that you can proactively protect your devices, data, accounts, and network.
But if you don’t care about cybersecurity at all, you might as well follow the simple steps in this post to become a cybercrime victim.
Table of Contents
1. Use Same Password For Every Device and Account
Remembering multiple passwords isn’t easy, especially when you use several devices and accounts.
The recovery process is no walk in the park either. So, why not just use the same password for everything?
To make your password unforgettable, you should choose one that’s incredibly easy to remember. For instance, you can use your name and add “12345” at the end and you’re all set.
2. Share Your Wi-Fi Password With Everyone
There’s no better gesture in the digital age than free Wi-Fi.
So, if you’re a kind, compassionate person who cares deeply about your friends and neighbors, you should provide password-free access to your network.
If you think anyone’s going to attack you or your devices, you need to think more positively.
Besides, there are only a few types of public (free) Wi-Fi network attacks, nothing to worry about, really:
- Password cracking attack–when a cybercriminal gets your private credentials;
- Man-in-the-Middle attack–that leave victims unaware they’ve been communicating with a thief rather than with someone they know;
- Packet sniffing attacks–when your sensitive information is leaked to the web.
3. Forget About Anti-Malware Software
Do you really need an anti-malware solution to slow down your computer or take up unnecessary storage space?
No, you don’t.
Most of these solutions are overhyped and don’t work anyway. Plus, how bad could malware really be?
We hear stories about how cybercriminals install malicious software on devices to extort money or manipulate victims into doing their ill bidding, from ransomware to trojans, adware, and spyware every day.
Spyware, for example, can be used to access your camera and microphone without you ever finding out.
Similarly, ransomware can encrypt and lock valuable files or systems until you pay a ransom for their release. These security companies are just scaring us into buying their products.
So, why do you need to spend hundreds of dollars a year on a solution you most likely won’t need?
4. Biometrics and Multi-Factor Authentication? Who Am I, the Pentagon?
You just spent precious time thinking of a “strong password” and going through the hassle of setting up an account.
Now, the app wants you to set up fingerprint authentication and 2-step verification.
Skipping these additional intrusion protection steps is an excellent way to save precious time and energy. A password is all the protection you need.
5. Sharing is Caring
Conversations are the beginning of any connection.
Every friend you’ve ever made was once a stranger. So, the next time you receive a call, text, or DM from someone you don’t know, remember this.
For instance, if a caring stranger calls about a problem with your computer or banking account and claims they can help, you should let them. There’s no getting without giving.
It’s not like they’re going to take over your device or steal your credit card information for different types of fraud. So, be open to sharing your personal information and access to your files, devices, and accounts.
And now, on a serious note…
Now that you’ve had a little laugh (hopefully), you’re aware of the different ways you can become a victim of cybercrime. We strongly recommend avoiding such reckless thinking and actually adopting cybersecurity culture. Here are a few tips you can use to protect yourself:
1. Install a Powerful Internet Security Suite
The best way to prevent becoming a cybercrime victim is to install a powerful internet security suite to scan your devices for viruses, trojans, ransomware, etc.
A complete cybersecurity solution provides several other benefits. For example, it can protect multiple devices, encrypt passwords, and even monitor your cameras.
So, if cybercriminals try to steal your data or watch you while you work or play, you can stop them in their tracks.
2. Use Strong Passwords
Hackers have tools they can use to crack passwords. The more complex your password is, the more difficult it is to crack.
So, if you have your name+123 or your birthday as your password, please change it and make cybercriminals at least put in a little effort before getting in.
Ideally, you should use a password manager to automate password creation and encryption.
Doing so will help you forego the need to remember multiple passwords. However, if you feel your memory is as sharp as a razor, make your passwords at least ten alphanumeric and special characters long.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Today, many online platforms and eCommerce sites offer multi-factor verification. Using this, you don’t have to rely on just your password for protection.
You can enable biometric authentication using your fingerprint scanner and generate OTPs whenever you log in to an account.
The setup usually takes a few minutes, whether you’re on your phone or laptop. We understand that this may be a lot. However, it’s nowhere near the time it would take to recover your account if a hacker manages to break into it.
4. Encrypt Your Network
One of the best ways to avoid becoming a cybercrime victim is by turning invisible online. You can download VPN on your computer and/or phone and encrypt all traffic leaving the devices. Hence, no one, including cybercriminals, third-party sites, and even your ISP, can see what you’re doing online.
So, at work, in your bedroom, or at a library, protect your Wi-Fi network with a powerful virtual private network at all times.
5. Don’t Share Your Sensitive Information
One of the easiest ways to become a cybercrime victim is through online psychological manipulation. Cybercriminals use social engineering to initiate conversations with victims on dating sites, forums, and social media.
They use deceptive and manipulative messaging to convince users to provide valuable information and even access fake websites to make transactions.
So, before you think you have made a new good friend on the internet, consider the possibility that it could be a malicious individual looking to score some quick cash by manipulating your feelings.
Secondly, most businesses won’t ask you for personal information or account credentials. So, if you ever receive a call, text, or email, don’t respond.
Conclusion
In the post-pandemic age, cybercrime has become more sophisticated than ever before.
So, it’s nearly impossible to prevent it.
However, this doesn’t mean you should take the necessary steps to prevent it at all costs.
If you’re taking good care of your cybersecurity culture, you can avoid becoming a cybercrime victim. If you still fall victim to cybercrime, you can at least take steps to reduce or reverse the damage.
