How to protect yourself from cybercrime during this phase of virtual learning.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced a new normal to the face of the world. Things had to run differently in the wake of the pandemic, education included. Schools were temporarily closed but that wasn’t enough to stop students from learning. In this century, learning doesn’t have to necessarily take place inside a physical classroom. The new normal features online learning in many parts of the world. With online learning, we have to be cautious of the risk of cybercrime for our kids and ourselves.
Let’s face it, most people don’t completely understand cybercrime. Most people think that the only form of cybercrime you have to be concerned about is hackers stealing your financial information. We forget that there are far more worries about cybercrime than the popular financial ones.
As technology continues to advance, cybercrime continues to evolve with new threats. We need to protect ourselves and our kids from cybercriminals. And the only way to effectively do that is by having the ability to recognize cybercrime.
What is cybercrime?
Cybercrime refers to any fraudulent activities that occur online where cybercriminals target computer networks or devices. It ranges from breaches in security to identity theft. Cybercrimes are categorized into two; criminal activities that target and those that use other peoples’ computers to commit crimes.
Tips to protect yourself and your kids from cybercrime.
Now that you can identify cybercrimes, here are some basic steps to protect you from falling a victim to cybercriminals;
1. Use strong passwords.
Most people make the mistake of using the same password on different sites. Don't do this. In fact, you should always change your passwords regularly and ensure they are complex. This means using a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols. You should also do the same on your kid’s devices.
2. Consider less sharing online.
You should reconsider sharing your personal data such as birthdate and your place of residence on your social media platforms. These details can help give cybercriminals a more complete picture and this makes it straightforward for them to steal your identity.
3. Avoid using public Wi-Fi.
Public Wi-Fi is a hotspot where cybercriminals can easily connect to and monitor your every move. This includes the passwords and any personal information you type on your device when connected to public Wi-Fi. If you really have to use public Wi-Fi, avoid accessing any confidential or sensitive information while connected.
4. Use antivirus software.
Using good antivirus software is a smart way to protect yourself from cybercriminals. Using anti-virus software allows you to scan, detect and eliminate any threats before they develop into problems. Antivirus software gives you ultimate protection on your computer and data both online and offline. Additionally, to get the best level of protection from antivirus software, ensure you keep it updated.
5. Avoid opening any attachments or links in spam emails.
Cybercriminals are known to use spam emails attached with links or other attachments that infect your computer with malware when you open them. To protect yourself from this, never open any links or attachments from senders you don’t recognize.
With these basic tips, protection on your computer and your kids’ devices is guaranteed. You should take it as an obligation to protect your home from cybercrime.