Cybercrime is a serious issue in today’s society. Every other day, there seems to be a news story about a company hacked or someone’s personal information stolen. But just how often does cybercrime happen? And what are the consequences of being a victim of cybercrime? In this blog post, we will explore these questions and more.
What is cybercrime?
Cybercrime is any criminal activity that takes place online. This includes hacking and identity theft fraud, and phishing scams. With so much of our lives now taking place online, it’s no surprise that cybercrime has become a major issue.
The History Of Cybercrime
Cybercrime has been happening for a long time. The first cybercrime was in 1834 when the French Telegraph System was hacked by two brothers who were bankers. They put in codes to get information about the stock exchange. They did this for two years without getting caught.
In 1903, Guglielmo Marconi’s wireless telegraph was publicly demonstrated for the first time. However, during the presentation, magician and inventor Nevil Maskelyne interrupted the message and showed that the technology was not as secure as promised.
In 2015, Android phones were hacked, and the hacker demanded $500 from the victims to unlock the system. They claimed that personal data had been leaked from up to 78.8 million current and former users.
In 2017, a data breach at Equifax’s credit bureau exposed the confidential information of 143 million customer accounts. This included SIN numbers, birthdates, addresses, driver’s licenses, and credit card numbers.
To this day, cybercrime is still a big problem, and it is happening more and more. With the advancement of technology, cybercriminals have new ways to carry out their crimes.
How often does cybercrime happen?
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. Cybercrime happens more often than most people realize, but it’s hard to say just how often because many cases go unreported. A study by Symantec found that only 38% of people who are victims of cybercrime report it.
This means that the true extent of cybercrime is likely much higher than we realize. And with the number of people going online continuing to grow, the problem will likely worsen.
What are the consequences of being a victim of cybercrime?
The consequences of being a victim of cybercrime can be serious. In addition to the financial cost of having your information stolen or your computer hacked, there is also the emotional toll. Victims of cybercrime often report feeling violated, helpless, and even scared.
Cybercrime can majorly impact your life, both financially and emotionally. Therefore, it is advisable to be aware of the possible risks and take measures to defend yourself.
If you think you may have been a victim of cybercrime, report it to the authorities and seek help from a professional. With so much of our lives now taking place online, it’s essential to be aware of the dangers and take steps to protect ourselves.
What are some ways you can protect yourself from cybercrime?
There are several things you can do to protect yourself from cybercrime.
- Never click on links or open attachments from people you don’t know. This is one of the most common ways hackers gain access to people’s computers.
- Make sure your computer has up-to-date antivirus software installed. This will help to protect your computer from malware and viruses.
- Be careful about what personal information you share online. Be cautious about who you give your email address or other contact information.
- Use solid passwords and never reuse passwords. A good password should be at least eight characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Finally, keep an eye out for red flags. If something looks too good to be true, it most probably is. Be wary of anyone who asks for personal information or money upfront.
Cybercrime is a serious issue that can have major consequences for victims. By taking some simple precautions, you can help to protect yourself from becoming a victim of cybercrime.