By Dru Haynes - 22nd October 2020
The term ‘cybercrime’ refers to crime carried out online and usually involves stealing your confidential information. This can be done through your computer/laptop, tablet, smart TV, games console and/or smartphone – basically, anything connected to the internet.
Unlike most other crimes, online fraudsters and cyber criminals never come into contact with their victims. Committing crime online allows someone to hide their identity and location, which is sometimes thousands of miles away, making it extremely difficult for the police to catch and charge them. Those who commit cybercrime are often well-organised and believable. They look to exploit vulnerabilities to steal passwords, data or money. The most common cyber threats include:
The internet is now part of our everyday lives, especially in the present climate, and it makes a lot of things much easier but it is important to keep in mind some general safety tips when you’re online to make sure you stay safe to avoid falling victim to cybercrime. Here are some things you can do to stay safe online:
The following slides below are taken from the recent Northumbria Police cybercrime workshop CAST members were kindly invited to – please take a look. For more information on staying safe online check out these websites.
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/information-for/individuals-families
https://www.getsafeonline.org/
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet/internet-security/
https://www.youandco.org.uk/types-crime/online-crime/staying-safe-online
Specifically aimed at under 16s: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/44074704