EDITOR ’ S QUESTION

JAVVAD MALIK , LEAD SECURITY AWARENESS ADVOCATE , KNOWBE4

There are a number of reasons why people are turning to illegal activity . One reason is that they are looking for ways to save money . For example , people may download pirated movies and music instead of paying for them , or they may buy fake IDs to buy alcohol or cigarettes at a lower price . Another reason is that people are looking for ways to get access to goods and services that they cannot afford , such as drugs .

The cost-of-living crisis is also leading to an increase in cybercriminals taking advantage of people ’ s financial desperation by targeting them with scams and phishing attacks . For example , cybercriminals may send emails that appear to be from legitimate companies , such as banks or credit card companies . Other emails may include job offers which sound too good to be true , or easy work-from-home money-making schemes . These emails may contain links that , when clicked , install malware on the victim ’ s computer . Once the malware is installed , the cybercriminal can steal the victim ’ s personal information , such as their bank account details or credit card numbers . Even worse , people may unwittingly be drawn into criminal activity for which they can be arrested .

There are several things that can be done to avoid engaging in such behaviour . One is to be aware of the risks involved . People should think carefully about the consequences of their actions before engaging in any suspicious activity . Another is to be careful about what information they share online .

The cost-of-living crisis is a serious problem and it is having a negative impact on people ’ s lives . However , there are things that can be done . By being aware of the risks , being careful about what information is shared online and using strong passwords , MFA and up-to-date software , people can help to protect themselves from cybercrime .

Here are some extra tips to staying safe online :

• Be sceptical of any unsolicited emails or messages that you receive , especially if they offer something that seems too good to be true .

• Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails or messages .

• Keep your software up to date with the latest security patches .

• Be careful about what information you share online , especially your personal information .

• If you think you have been a victim of cybercrime , report it to the authorities .

By being aware of the risks , being careful about what information is shared online and using strong passwords , MFA and up-to-date software , people can help to protect themselves .

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