What is Cyber Crime?

Cyber crime is a term that covers a broad scope of criminal activity using a computer. Some common examples of cyber crime include identity theft, financial fraud, web site defacements and cyber bullying. At an organizational level, cyber crime may involve the hacking of customer databases and theft of intellectual property. Many users think they can protect themselves, their accounts, and their PCs with just anti-spyware and anti-virus software. Cyber criminals are becoming more sophisticated and they are targeting consumers as well as public and private organizations. Therefore, addiitonal layers of defense are needed.

An Example of Cyber Crime

An example of one type of cyber crime is an “account takeover.” This happens when cyber criminals compromise your computer and install malicious software, such as “keyloggers” which record the key strokes, passwords, and other private information. This in turn allows them access to programs using your log-in credentials. Once these criminals steal your password, they may be able to breach your online bank account. These criminals can be anywhere in the world and may be able to transfer your money almost immediately.

What are the Effects of Cyber Crime?

The effects of a single, successful cyber attack can have far-reaching implications including financial losses, theft of intellectual property and loss of consumer confidence and trust. The overall monetary impact of cyber crime on society and government is estimated to be billions of dollars a year.

What Should We Do?

Training and awareness are important first steps in mitigating these attacks. All citizens, consumers, and employees should be aware of cyber threats and the actions they can take to protect their own information, as well as the information within their organization.

So… What can you do to minimize the risk of becoming a cyber crime victim? 

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The MS-ISAC has launched its second annual Cyber Pledge Contest. The pledge period opened up on September 10th and will continues through October 31st.

The purpose of the contest to promote cyber security to state and local governments. Currently, we have more than 7,300 pledges signed with California leading in the state category followed by Massachusetts and Mississippi.   On the local government side, Jackson County, Mississippi is in the lead followed by Sacramento County, California and Suffolk County, Massachusetts.  The importance of spreading the message about safe online behavior has never been more important.  We are all interconnected, and for only a minimal investment of time, you can help to reinforce the importance about online safety among your citizens.

In the face of these online dangers it is important that we remind ourselves of the importance of following good cyber security practices. Cyber Security Is Our Shared Responsibility and by taking proactive steps every day, we can improve our ability to stay safe.

Take the pledge!