Cybercrime and internet fraud

Once you have learned to recognise the tricks, language and behaviour of internet fraudsters, you will be in a better position to protect your privacy.

Online threats

Every computer connected to the internet is vulnerable to fraud and computer vandalism. However, you can protect yourself online by following some common-sense steps.

For example, always be careful to check that any software you put on your computer is suitable and compatible with your existing setup. And always download software from a reliable website.

Undoubtedly, the most effective way to protect yourself online is to install internet security software. You can buy internet security software from a number of trusted sources, but do not simply go for any old free internet security program from a pop-up window as it could itself contain a virus.

Phishing e-mails

The majority of cybercrime happens through e-mail, so never open any attachments that you are not expecting and never click on questionable links you find in the body of an e-mail.

Fraudsters often send out phishing e-mails to try to extract information from users. Never respond to an e-mail that asks for personal information and never fill in your personal details on a link that came from an e-mail.

Many phishing e-mails purport to be from official sites, particularly banks and other businesses that could legitimately ask for your passwords, contact details or PIN.

Official e-mails from your bank or any other institution will never ask for your account details. And it is also highly unlikely a bank would make a spelling error on an e-mail, use an exclamation mark, or use a salutation such as ‘Greetings’. Immediately delete e-mails that contain questionable content.

Cheap or free internet security software

Although cheap or free internet security software can sometimes offer some protection, many of these providers only provide very basic protection, don’t update as frequently as paid for versions of software and some are in fact ransomware.

Kaspersky offers you free software here for your PC or you may wish to buy the software here Kaspersky is both reliable and affordable, allowing you to make sure your computer is always updated with the latest virus protection tools and protection from online threats.