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Computers and other internet-
connected devices such as
smartphones and tablets are now
everyday items in homes. Along
with online applications such as
social media, email, online banking
and services such as Skype, the
Internet has made our lives easier.
These technologies have opened up
wide opportunities but has opened
up new threats as well.
In 2013, the global security
software firm, McAfee estimated
that 40 million people in the US
had information stolen through
cybercrime. And more than
800 million records were stolen
worldwide.
And cybercrime is growing.
What does this have to do
with you?
Many people believe that because
they are “small fries” with just a few
thousand dollars in the bank they
are not at risk, but Cybercriminals
do not discriminate against their
victims. A thousand dollars taken
from you is the same as a thousand
taken from a multi-millionaire. The
difference is that it would probably
hurt you a lot more.
Retired persons are targeted as they
tend to have a lot saved, and they
may not be tech savvy enough to
recognise and protect themselves
from online threats.
What are some of the
threats?
There are two major types of
cybercrime – Phishing and Scams.
Phishing is where attackers try to
get personal information from you,
such as usernames and passwords.
These attacks usually come in the
form of an email that appears to
be from, for example, your bank,
saying that there was a problem
and you need to click on a link
to correct it. This link may take
you to a false website where your
information is captured and used
by the attackers to access your
account.
Scams try to extort money from you
directly. One of the newest ways
is “Ransomware”, where criminals
lock access to your computers or
files, and want money in order to
release them. The cost may range
from US$100 to US$500. Large
enough to be profitable, but small
enough that people are willing to
pay for it rather than losing all their
data.
How to protect yourself?
Here are some tips to protect
yourself.
Scrutinise all email that
you receive
No bank will ask for information,
especially your username and
password, by email. If you get a
notification to log into your online
account, then don’t click on any
link provided. Instead, type in the
bank’s Internet address directly into
your favourite browser.
Ensure that the site is secure by
looking for https:// in front of the site
name and usually a small lock, e.g.
If you
get any error saying that the page
is not secure, then leave the site
immediately.
If an email appears to come from
someone you know asking for
information or money, or they
usually call you Jon but addresses
Submitted by Sachin Ganpat
Interxect Services Limited
Tel: 1 (868) 638-6934
