Look Out! Keep an Eye Out for These 4 Preventable Cybercrimes
- Emma
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
Updated: May 4
Picture this: You're at home, enjoying your day, when suddenly, someone knocks on your door. They’re friendly, but they keep pushing you to share just a little more—such as your info, passwords, or habits. It sounds invasive, right? People online are doing the same thing and getting better at it every day. These are called cybercrimes. Cybercrimes are a general term to describe criminal activities using a computer, network, or digital device. Cybersecurity is essential to fighting these cybercrimes.
Why is cybercrime a growing problem?
As more personal and sensitive information is stored online, there is an increased likelihood of cybercrime. The technology that cybercriminals use is rapidly evolving, making it a challenge to stay safe.
The financial impact of these crimes has skyrocketed. In 2015, the cost of cybercrimes was estimated at around three trillion dollars. By 2024, that number tripled! Experts predict that in the next five years, the global cost could reach nearly twenty trillion.
What are four cybercrimes to look out for?
Cybercrime is constantly evolving, but over the past few years, there are some commonalities. According to a 2024 report by Cybersecurity Ventures, there are four types of cybercrimes that are among the fastest growing and most frequently encountered.
A computer virus is a malicious program that can harm your system and steal information. It can also replicate itself, like an actual virus. For example, you might receive an email with an attachment. You click on what you think is an attached flyer and the next thing you know, you've installed a virus!
The ILOVEYOU virus of 2000 sent emails with the subject line and attachment that said, "LOVE LETTER!" It caused widespread damage by accessing the recipients' contact lists.
To protect yourself from computer viruses, follow these two tips:
Avoid opening attachments from unknown sources.
Keep your antivirus software up to date.
Ransomware is a type of computer virus that locks you out of your files or entire device and then demands money to let you back in. Imagine opening what looks like a harmless email attachment, only to be hit with a message saying your files are encrypted and you must pay to get them back. This sounds scary, right?
That’s exactly what happened during the massive WannaCry attack in 2017. This ransomware spread like wildfire around the world, hitting everything from small businesses to major hospitals. They demanded payment in online currency to stay anonymous.
Do you want to avoid falling victim? Here are a few tips to protect yourself:
Back up your important files—either to the cloud or an external USB drive.
Avoid downloading files or opening attachments from unfamiliar sources.
Update your system and security software regularly.
Digital scams are sneaky and often show up as emails or messages that look like they’re from someone you trust. For example, you might get an email that appears to be from your bank, asking you to “verify” your account. But once you click the link, it takes you to a fake website designed to use your personal information.
One major case of this happened in 2019, which targeted Bank of America customers. Scammers posed as bank representatives over the phone, claiming there was suspicious activity. They convinced people to hand over sensitive information like PINs and passwords, which caused a lot of damage.
To protect yourself, keep these tips in mind:
Go to the official website instead of clicking on links in unexpected emails or texts.
Always double-check the sender's email address or phone number.
Trust your gut instinct; if something feels off, it probably is.
A data breach happens when someone gains unauthorized access to private or sensitive information, like customer emails, credit card numbers, or even Social Security details. For the average person, this could mean their data ends up on the dark web without them knowing. They may notice unfamiliar charges on their bank account, receive emails that seem oddly specific, or get locked out of online accounts. These breaches can lead to identity theft or fraud, especially if someone else buys your stolen information.
A major example was the Equifax breach in 2017. Hackers took advantage of a flaw in the company’s website and got away with the information of 147 million people. They gained access to data like their names, birthdays, and Social Security numbers.
To help protect your data, follow these steps:
Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts.
Turn on two-factor authentication whenever you can.
Whether you’re an individual looking to protect your data or a small business aiming to safeguard sensitive customer information, these action steps will provide you with a secure foundation. Make sure you’re following Relay Tech on your favorite social platforms (YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook) so you don’t miss more tech tips. If you’re looking to level up your small business’s security, Relay Tech can help with that, too. Reach out today to schedule a quick chat to see how we can best protect you and your clients.
Cybercrime is an evolving and growing problem, but staying informed and taking action can significantly increase your safety. By recognizing common risks like computer viruses, ransomware, digital scams, and data breaches, you can take proactive steps to protect your personal information and small business.
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