In this digital age, Cybercrime is any crime committed using the computer or any connected digital devices.

Cybercrime started in the 1970s with the hacking of computerized phones to make long distance calls without paying.

Currently, individuals, governments and organizations are losing billions of dollars annually to cybercrime. The FBI which is one of the foremost fighters of cybercrime is currently investigating more than 80 cases of cybercrimes committed in the US or against US citizens.

The big issue here is this, people feel they are immune against cybercrime, yet they do not have a complete understanding of what cybercrime is.

Some of these people have fallen victim of cybercrime before realising their folly in not knowing what exactly cybercrime entails. In view of the above, this article gives a brief summary of the common types of cybercrimes.

Popular types of Cybercrimes

1. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)

Distributed Denial-of-service attacks (DDoS) focuses on attacking organization’s severs, networks, websites, or services with the purpose of extorting money in form of cryptocurrency, installing malware or stealing valuable data.

In addition, DDoS targets organizations like Banks and other organizations like Gaming industries, and other major websites and services.

Also, DDoS works by hijacking smaller computer networks and servers, IoTs, and other devices to direct traffic to the target. The target is overwhelmed by the traffic and eventually brought down.

2. Identity Theft

Identity theft focuses on stealing personal information like bank details, passwords, credit and debit card numbers, social security, date of birth, etc. the purpose of identity theft is for stealing and participating in mortgage, health, tax or insurance frauds.

3. Hacking

Hacking focuses on gaining unauthorized access to data and information from devices, servers, websites, or services at various levels. Most hackers focuses public and private organizations, however, there are hackers who focuses on individuals for the purpose of stealing personal information.

4. Scamming

Scamming is one way of stealing from the unsuspecting individuals. Usually scam works in various ways, but the common ways are through ads and spam mails offering individuals promotions and offers that are ‘too good to be true.’

5. Spamming

Spamming works by using email services to send emails with fake links or malwares for the purpose of scamming. Usually, unsolicited messages of fake offers and promotions containing fake links or malwares are sent to users.

6. Phishing

Phishing works in the same way with spamming. However, phishing uses names of legitimate organizations to send fake email messages to a large number of users with the purpose of extracting information like credit card number, passwords, social security number etc. usually, names of financial institutions are used in phishing attacks.

7. Social engineering

Social engineering involves cybercriminals befriending an unsuspecting target personally or by getting in touch through phone calls and emails.

Moreover, Social engineering works by convincing the victim to part ways with cash personal information that can be used to swindle target victims of their hard earned money.

8. Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying involves bullying individuals online, sending individuals nesting messages or blackmailing an individual.

Also, Cybercrime in its various forms is currently the greatest threat to humanity. Therefore, fighting cybercrimes starts by learning more about cybercrimes and its operations.

Read More: https://secureblitz.com/popular-types-of-cybercrimes/

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Public Wi-Fi is being cherished by so many individuals. Companies and organizations utilizes this network for the benefits of their users. For instance, public Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, banks, institutions, schools, and many other places.

On the other hand, public Wi-Fi differs in two kinds. We have a secured and unsecured connection. The secured Wi-Fi requires legal steps like a security password/pin. It might also require a store purchase to gain usage permission.

Besides, unsecured Wi-Fi does not go through the above process. Users can automatically access the internet with this connection.

Public Wi-Fi has made it easier for us to access the internet in some close ends. But, it also contains a high risk of exposing sensitive pieces of information that are on our smartphones and PCs.
Dos and Don’ts of Using a Public Wi-Fi

Here are the Dos and Don’ts of using public Wi-Fi:

1. Ensure you connect to a secured network when you know the security password or pin. In the case of an unsecured network, permission will be granted automatically and you can enjoy using the network.

2. Don’t make purchases online with an unsecured network. Shopping online requires some personal credentials to make a purchase. You are likely to expose your bank details to a stranger by using an unsecured network to shop online.

3. Make sure you observe your Bluetooth connection. Moreover, Bluetooth can be used by hackers to gain access to one’s device and stealing personal details. You should always ensure to turn off this feature if not in use.

4. Disable any form of connectivity that connects automatically. Some smartphones and PCs automatically connect to any hotspot available. This feature ought to be turned off.

5. Don’t carry out sensitive activities on your digital devices while using public Wi-Fi. These activities might be accessing your bank app. Even a secured network is highly prohibited.

6. Make use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) when using public Wi-Fi. This ensures that your privacy is safe. Data will be encrypted while on public Wi-Fi.

7. Don’t abandon your device in a public environment. Ensure that you safely keep them when they are not in use.

Lastly, public Wi-Fi networks are now used by criminal-minded individuals to steal personal information. Most people use encrypted VPN software to ensure their data is protected.
READ MORE: https://secureblitz.com/dos-and-donts-public-wi-fi/