Protecting yourself from cybercrime in the UK
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Most of us use technology on a near daily basis and as we interact with the modern world around us we put ourselves at digital risk.
In 2020 a total of £1.3 billion was lost to fraud in the UK. Once upon a time, it was only big companies under the threat of cybercrime but today no one is safe. Be it shopping online, using apps for convenience, or logging into platforms to work remotely we are all targets in the UK where cybercrime rates are continually rising.
Cybercriminals use a myriad of techniques to gain unauthorised access to accounts and precious data, and the results can have a devastating impact on lives.
Fortunately, with a little know-how, you can adopt some great practices to help minimise the risks and safeguard yourself, which we will walk you through.
An overview of UK cybercrime
The first step in protecting yourself is educating yourself to understand what cybercrime encompasses and the range of techniques used to target victims.
Cybercrime covers a whole host of malicious activities, such as phishing emails, ransomware attacks, identity theft, and fraud.
Being aware of cyberthreats and what they entail can help you recognise and avoid them altogether, or at the very least, intervene early enough to mitigate the aftermath.
Why is cybercrime on the rise in the UK?
Did you know that UK businesses experienced approximately 7.78 million cybercrimes in 2023.
The rise is largely due to a pivotal shift in recent years toward the digitalisation of many processes within just about every industry.
The convenience that online banking and shopping bring is appealing to the average person with a modern schedule and with more of us relying on our devices daily the rate of exploitation also grows exponentially.
The shift has been so rapid that unfortunately, many individuals and businesses are unequipped to deal with cyber threats properly so much is needed to be done to keep everyone safe.
Commonly encountered cybercrime
Below is a brief explanation of some of the most common threats encountered by individuals and businesses.
- Phishing: This cybercrime tactic is usually carried out via fraudulent communication using emails and messaging systems. The idea is to get the recipient to divulge personal information. The messages can appear very legitimate, so it is essential to check the source and never click any of the links contained within.
- Ransomware: A type of malware that encrypts or locks the target's files blocking their access until a ransom is provided. Paying the ransom doesn't always guarantee access is restored either and it can be financially devastating for individuals and businesses alike.
- Identity Theft and Fraud: Fraud is rife in the UK, once cybercriminals steal your personal information they can use it for dodgy transactions and criminal activity with devastating consequences.
Steps to protect yourself from UK cybercrime
Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to help secure your devices and protect your online identity.
The following are some practical measures that can help reduce the likelihood of falling victim to common UK cybercrimes.
Securing devices and networks
Fortunately, with strong passwords, encryption, and up-to-date software, you can secure your devices and prevent unauthorized access at the first hurdle. Always remember:
- A strong, unique password is a fundamental way to prevent access to your accounts and files. Two-factor authentication is also advisable as an extra measure.
- Any software for computers, smartphones, and home Wi-Fi networks needs to be updated with the latest patches to keep you secure.
- Make sure your Wi-Fi Network has encryption enabled to keep devices connected and safe from hackers and interceptors. A dedicated VPN can help secure Wi-Fi; find a reputable VPN Chrome download here and encrypt your activity.
Preserving your identity online
All aspects of your online identity are valuable assets to a cybercriminal. The following three tips will help keep your personal information away from them.
- Limit sharing any details online, especially via social media.
- Always check your accounts to spot any suspicious activity.
- Enlist the help of Identity Protection Services to help monitor your information.
Scam and phishing advice
Cyber theft commonly occurs at the hands of online scams and phishing. These both rely on human error, and by educating yourself on how to spot them, you can prevent falling for their tactics.
- Check the legitimacy of any messages you receive, be cautious of emails with generic greetings, check for misspelled words and be wary of any unsolicited communication that urgently requests information.
- Enable Anti-Phishing features in your email and browsers.
- Always report any suspicious activity; phishing emails can be forwarded to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Cyber attack response protocols
Should you fall victim to a cyber attack, a swift response can help lessen the damage, below are the steps to take, rapidly!
- Immediately disconnect any affected devices and isolate them from your home network.
- Start changing your passwords, with the most sensitive accounts such as primary emails and financial log-ins.
- Report the incident and cancel any unauthorised transactions with your bank.
- Use device recovery tools and restore your systems from a backup.
- If necessary, contact a cybersecurity specialist to assess what else needs to be done.
Conclusion
The digital landscape is full of threats that are constantly evolving as cybercriminals exploit systems with methods that become increasingly more sophisticated.
The good news is that by following some online safety etiquette and understanding the risks many of the schemes that rely on human ignorance and errors of judgment can be evaded.
For the more sophisticated, anti-virus software, VPNs and other cybersecurity tools can lend a hand in improving your security and reducing the potential risks of your online activities.
