Physical crime was the main source of crime in Australia twenty years ago: assault, break and enter, theft, and car theft. In 2020, those types of crimes will be dwarfed by cybercrime, which will be far more prevalent and potentially far more financially damaging. Cryptomining, data spill, denial of service, hacking, identity theft, malicious insiders, malware, phishing, ransomware, and web shell malware are examples of such offences.
Cybercrime is now the most common type of misdeed in Australia and around the world.
Just as physical crime required defensive actions 20 years ago – installing car alarms and double locks on doors, being wary of your surroundings – individuals and businesses must take preventative measures against cyber crime before they are harmed.
As part of National Cyber Week, the Australian Digital Health Agency promoted six practical steps for digital self-defense. The steps can protect both your professional and personal information.
- To increase security awareness through a security awareness course Understanding the crime and how criminals behave is essential for cyber security. It’s similar to knowing where not to walk late at night.
- To keep your software current Software companies are constantly releasing new versions to better protect against cybercrime. This is equivalent to getting a better lock for your home, but it is free.
- To employ strong passwords and multi-factor authentication It was all about making sure your doors were locked at night in the twentieth century. Today’s challenge is to ensure that no one knows your password.
- Remember the old xerox machines were everything was done in triplicate, just in case? This is the modern day equivalent of the xerox machine.
- Don’t respond to unsolicited phishing emails, texts and calls. That’s the same as your parents telling you not to talk to strangers.
- if you fall victim to ransomware – someone demanding money to unfreeze your system – don’t pay it. This one is a bit like cutting your losses. If you do something wrong, then ‘fess up, rather than getting into deeper trouble.
Follow these six simple steps and you will have taken significant steps towards diminishing the chance of being a victim of cyber crime
