How to Recognize and Prevent a Cybercrime

Nathanael/Cybersecurity Snacks

Good morning. Today, we are covering how to recognize a cybercrime. We are also offering practical tips on how to prevent a cybercrime, including steps to take if you’re a victim of cybercrime. As usual, we will also bring you the latest news and jobs in the cybersecurity field. We end today’s newsletter with a wisdom quote. First time reading? Sign up here

Main Meal

🌐 Cybercrime is a broad term, much like the Wild West of our digital era. It's an umbrella phrase for illegal activities that use computers or networks as their main tools.

👮‍♂️ The FBI defines cybercrimes as any crime perpetrated by means of computers or telecommunication technology. But it's not all just tech-savvy villains behind screens - often regular folks get roped in too.

💻 A common misunderstanding is that cybercrimes are only related to hacking and stealing identities. However, there are numerous types: from financial fraud to cyberstalking and harassment.

🛡️ To protect yourself online, you need more than just software shields – you also need knowledge.

Recognizing Common Signs of Cybercrime

🚨 Suspicious emails: The first sign you're a target of cybercrime is suspicious emails. An email from an unfamiliar source may indicate something is amiss. You might notice spelling errors or strange email addresses.

📥 Software download prompt: If you receive an unexpected software download prompt, that's another red flag. Hackers often use these prompts to infect your device with malware.

🔐 Unauthorized account activity: Received an unexpected 'thank you' message from a strange e-commerce site for something you never bought? Be alert to any indications that someone else may be utilizing your financial data - like an unexpected email of thanks from a store you never shopped at.

Steps to Take if You're a Victim of Cybercrime

If you believe you have been targeted by cybercrime, remain calm and take action.

🛑 First, contact your local law enforcement agency and report the incident, if possible.

🔏Second, secure your online accounts. Change all passwords, starting with financial ones like banking or credit card websites.

👨‍💻 Third, consider investing in a reliable cybersecurity solution. Software such as Kaspersky Internet Security offers advanced protection against future attacks.

How to Prevent Cybercrime

🛑 For an effective defense against cybercrime, it is important to not only have a reliable antivirus software but also to practice safe online habits. Ensure your online activities are secure; more than just a top-notch antivirus is required.

🔒 Safeguarding Personal Information Online: It starts with securing personal information. Be cautious about the data you share on social media or any other platform. Minimize the data you provide, such as your full name, address and birth date.

🔐 Using Secure Networks: A secure network goes a long way in preventing cybercrimes. Make use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) which provide an extra layer of security for internet browsing.

🔄 Maintaining Software Updates Regularly: Keep all software updated regularly - including operating systems and apps. This helps fix security flaws and keeps hackers at bay.

News

Clker-Free-Vector-Images/Pixabay

FBI Unveils Tool to Combat MGM Cyberattack Ransomware

The FBI has released a tool to disrupt the ransomware operation behind the cyberattack on MGM Resorts. The tool allows victims to unlock and recover their computer systems from the malicious software used by the group [more]

Record-Breaking Healthcare Cyberattacks: Over 100 Million Individuals Impacted in 2023

In 2023, healthcare cyberattacks have impacted over 100 million people, setting a record in the number of individuals affected [more]

Apparel Giant VF Hit by Cyberattack

Apparel company VF Corporation suffered a cyberattack just as the US Securities and Exchange Commission's new cyber incident reporting rule went into effect. The attack disrupted business operations, encrypted IT systems, and stole data, potentially impacting the company's financial condition and results of operations [more]

Massive Cyberattack Hits Mortgage Giant Mr. Cooper, Exposing Personal Information of 14 Million Customers

Mortgage giant Mr. Cooper has suffered a cyberattack that may have impacted more than 14 million customers. Personal information including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and bank account numbers may have been compromised. The company is currently investigating the incident and taking steps to prevent future breaches [more]

London Public Library Closes Three Branches After Devastating Cyberattack

The London Public Library in Ontario, Canada, has announced the closure of three branches until the new year due to a recent cyberattack that has left many of the library's systems inaccessible. The library is still dealing with the aftermath of the attack [more]

Gas Stations Across Iran Plunged into Chaos Due to Cyberattack

Nearly 70% of gas stations in Iran went out of service due to a suspected cyberattack, causing a disruption in fuel distribution. This is not the first time Iran has been targeted by cyberattacks [more]

MongoDB Hacked and Customer Data Stolen

Database software company MongoDB has reported a cyberattack on its corporate systems, revealing that the breach resulted in the theft of customer account metadata and contact information [more]

Delta Dental Reports Data Breach Compromising 7 Million Customers' Information

Delta Dental of California, a major dental insurance provider, is notifying over 6.9 million individuals that their personal data was exposed due to the MOVEit hacking incident [more]

Jobs

Position: Manager - Incident Response

Company: Freshworks

Location: London, United Kingdom

Submit your application: https://tinyurl.com/2rjbffn4

Position: Privacy Research Engineer

Company: Comcast

Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA

Submit your application: https://tinyurl.com/3svj55ap

Position: Cyber and Communications Security Program Analyst

Company: Booz Allen

Location: Arlington, VA, USA

Submit your application: https://tinyurl.com/42bjyhrk

Position: Enterprise Information Security Analyst

Company: The University of Texas at Austin

Location: AUSTIN, TX, USA

Submit your application: https://tinyurl.com/mr3huzjz

Position: Sr. Manager, Software Quality (Cybersecurity)

Company: Illumina

Location: San Diego, California, USA

Submit your application: https://tinyurl.com/yp6rxmea

Position: Cyber Security Analyst

Company: NVIDIA

Location: Santa Clara, CA, USA

Submit your application: https://tinyurl.com/mtz9hzpd

Position: Cybersecurity Engineer

Company: Accenture Federal Services

Location: Lorton, VA, USA

Submit your application: https://tinyurl.com/4ehbwn24

Position: Cybersecurity internship

Company: Dell Technologies

Location: Cyberjaya, Malaysia

Submit your application: https://tinyurl.com/savn2jc8

Position: Senior Security Engineer

Company: Peraton

Location: North Chicago, IL, United States

Submit your application: https://tinyurl.com/2wfups52

Position: Cyber Network Defense Analysts

Company: Node

Location: Arlington, Virginia, USA

Submit your application: https://tinyurl.com/8ytey4ay

Wisdom Quote

“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.”

― Roy T. Bennett