Combatting and Preventing Cyber Crime

The challenges of cyber crime can be mitigated with a twin approach: being alert and taking legal help. This section gathers the practical safety measures that reduce the risk of falling victim — a checklist worth internalising, since almost every attack described earlier depends on a user slipping on one of these points.

Safety measures to reduce the risk of cyber crime

Data and software hygiene

• Take regular backups of important data — the single best insurance against data loss and ransomware.
• Use an antivirus and keep it updated always.
• Avoid pirated software. Download software only from known and secure (HTTPS) sites.
• Keep system software updated — including the Internet browser and other application software (updates carry security fixes).

Browsing habits

• Do not visit or download anything from untrusted websites.
• The browser usually alerts you about doubtful websites whose security certificate could not be verified — avoid visiting such sites.
• For an unknown site, do not agree to use cookies when asked through a Yes/No option.
• Perform online transactions — shopping, ticketing and similar services — only through well-known and secure sites.

Password discipline

• Use a strong password for web logins, and change it periodically.
• Do not reuse the same password across all websites.
• Build passwords from different combinations of alphanumeric characters including special characters; avoid common words or names.

On shared or others' computers

• When using someone else's computer, do not allow the browser to save your password or auto-fill your data.
• Prefer browsing in a private browser window, which leaves less behind.

At home

• Secure your home wireless network with a strong password, and change it regularly — an open or weakly protected Wi-Fi lets outsiders use (and abuse) your connection. …