What is cyber crime?
Cybercrime can be defined as “criminal activity that either targets or uses a computer, a computer network or a networked device.”
What are the major types of cyber crimes?
Major types of cyber crimes are as follows-
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Malware
Malware is harmful software meant to damage or steal from your computer. It includes different types:
Ransomware: Locks your files and demands payment to unlock them.
Fileless Malware: Uses existing tools on your computer to attack, making it harder to detect.
Spyware: Gathers your personal information without your consent.
Adware: Shows unwanted ads based on your browsing.
Trojans: Looks like legitimate software but performs harmful actions.
Worms: Replicates itself and spreads to other computers.
Rootkits: Hides malicious activities and gives unauthorized access.
Mobile Malware: Targets mobile devices through malicious apps or links.
Exploits: Uses software flaws to gain unauthorized access.
Scareware: Tricks you into thinking your computer is infected to sell fake antivirus software.
Keyloggers: Records everything you type to steal sensitive information.
Botnets: Networks of infected computers used for attacks.
Malspam: Malware sent via email attachments or links.
Wiper Attacks: Deletes or corrupts data, often in political or hacktivist contexts.
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Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks
DoS attacks flood a network with fake requests, making it unavailable to real users. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks come from multiple systems, making them harder to stop.
Phishing
Phishing tricks you into giving away sensitive information or downloading harmful software. Types include:
Spear Phishing: Targets specific people or organizations.
Whaling: Targets high-level executives.
SMiShing: Uses fake texts to steal information.
Vishing: Uses fake phone calls to get personal details.
Spoofing
Spoofing disguises as a trusted source to gain unauthorized access. Types include:
Domain Spoofing: Fake websites or emails that look real.
Email Spoofing: Forged emails to deceive recipients.
ARP Spoofing: Tricks devices into sending data to the attacker.
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Identity-Based Attacks
These attacks use stolen credentials to act as a legitimate user. Types include:
Kerberoasting: Cracks service account passwords.
Man-in-the-Middle (MITM): Eavesdrops on conversations between two parties.
Pass-the-Hash: Uses stolen hashed passwords to access systems.
Golden Ticket: A Golden Ticket is a fake access pass created by hackers to get unlimited control over a network. It tricks the system into giving the attacker the same access as an administrator, allowing them to access anything and make changes without restrictions. For instance, if a hacker compromises a company's network, they could use a Golden Ticket to gain unrestricted access to all company files, systems, and even employee accounts, bypassing normal security measures. This allows them to steal sensitive information or disrupt operations without being detected.
Silver Ticket: A Silver Ticket is a fake access pass that hackers use to get into specific services on a network. For example if they want to access a company’s customer database. They use a Silver Ticket to bypass security for just the database, allowing them to view or steal customer information without accessing other parts of the company’s network.
-Credential Harvesting: Collects login information for later use.
- Credential Stuffing: Credential stuffing is a type of cyber attack where hackers use stolen usernames and passwords to try and log into many different accounts across various websites or services.
If a hacker gets hold of a list of email addresses and passwords from a data breach, they might use those credentials to try and access multiple accounts on different websites. For instance, they might use the same stolen login details to try and break into online banking accounts, social media profiles, and shopping sites. Since many people reuse passwords, this can give hackers access to several of a person's accounts with just one set of stolen credentials.
- Password Spraying: Password spraying is a type of cyber attack where hackers try a few common passwords on many different accounts, rather than attempting many passwords on a single account.
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For instance, Instead of trying thousands of passwords on one account, attackers might try common passwords like "123456" or "password" on multiple user accounts at a company. If many people use simple or common passwords, some accounts might be unlocked with just a few tries.
Brute Force Attacks: Tries many password combinations until it gets one right.
Downgrade Attacks: Forces systems to use less secure methods.
Code Injection Attacks
These attacks insert malicious code into a system:
SQL Injection: Alters or extracts data from databases.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Injects malicious code into websites.
Malvertising: Uses ads to spread malware.
Data Poisoning: Corrupts AI or machine learning models by manipulating their training data.
Supply Chain Attacks
Targets third-party vendors to infect software or hardware, affecting all users of the compromised products.
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Social Engineering Attacks
Manipulate people into giving information or taking actions. Examples:
Pretexting: Uses a fake story to gain trust.
Business Email Compromise (BEC): Impersonates a trusted contact to trick people into transferring money or information.
Disinformation Campaigns: Spreads false information, often for political reasons.
Quid Pro Quo: Offers something in return for information or access.
Honeytrap: Uses fake romantic relationships to get money or information.
Tailgating/Piggybacking: Gains physical access by following someone into a secure area.
Insider Threats
Threats from within an organization, like current or former employees, who may be malicious or negligent.
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DNS Tunneling
Uses DNS queries to bypass security measures and transmit data or malware. (DNS queries are requests made by your device to a Domain Name System (DNS) server to translate a domain name (like www.example.com) into an IP address that computers use to identify each other on the network.)
IoT-Based Attacks
Targets connected devices like smart thermostats or cameras, potentially creating botnets or stealing data.
AI-Powered Attacks
Uses artificial intelligence to enhance or automate attacks, making them more effective.
How to protect one’s personal information online?
By following the following steps, one can protect oneself from cyber crimes-
Use Strong Passwords
Creating strong and unique passwords is a fundamental step in safeguarding your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessed passwords or the same password across multiple sites. Instead, generate passwords that combine letters, numbers, and special characters to increase their complexity. Utilizing a password manager can simplify this process by securely storing and managing your passwords, and even generating new, secure ones for each of your accounts.
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Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security beyond your standard password. By requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile phone or email, 2FA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Even if someone gets access to your password, they would still need this additional verification code to gain entry. Enabling 2FA on your accounts provides an important barrier against potential breaches and helps protect your sensitive information.
To set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), log into your account and go to the security settings. Look for the 2FA or two-step verification option, then choose your preferred method, such as receiving a code via SMS, using an authentication app, or a hardware token. Follow the instructions to link your chosen method to your account, and be sure to save any backup codes provided. Finally, test the setup by logging out and back in to confirm that 2FA is working correctly.
Keep Software Up-to-Date
Keeping your software up-to-date is essential for maintaining security. Software updates often include patches that fix vulnerabilities and address newly discovered threats. This applies to your operating system, browsers, antivirus programs, and any other software you use. Regularly installing these updates ensures that your devices are protected against the latest cyber threats and reduces the likelihood of security breaches that exploit outdated software.
Be Cautious with Emails and Links
Phishing attacks are a common method used by cybercriminals to steal personal information. Be vigilant when handling emails from unknown or unexpected sources, especially if they contain links or attachments. Before clicking on any links or downloading files, verify the sender's legitimacy and carefully check URLs to ensure they are genuine.
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Use Secure Connections
Using secure connections is crucial for protecting your data as you browse the internet. Ensure that your home Wi-Fi network is protected with a strong password to prevent unauthorized access. When using public Wi-Fi, consider employing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and safeguard your online activities. Further, always verify that the websites you visit use encryption, indicated by "https://" in the URL and a padlock symbol, to secure your data during transmission.
Manage Privacy Settings
Regularly reviewing and managing your privacy settings on social media and other online accounts helps control who can access your personal information. Adjust these settings to limit the visibility of your data and prevent unauthorized access. Be cautious about sharing personal details online, as oversharing can expose you to privacy risks.
Monitor Your Accounts
Regular monitoring of your financial accounts is a key strategy in detecting unauthorized activities early. Check your bank and credit card statements frequently for any suspicious transactions. Additionally, setting up alerts for unusual activities, such as logins from unfamiliar devices or changes to your account settings, can provide timely notifications of potential security issues. By staying vigilant, you can address any problems quickly and reduce the impact of any potential breaches.
Use Security Software
Installing and maintaining reputable security software is an effective way to defend against various cyber threats. Antivirus and anti-malware programs find and remove harmful software that can damage your devices.Also, ensuring that your firewall (It is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on already determined security rules.) is active provides a barrier against unauthorized access to your network. Together, these security measures protect your personal information from being exposed or stolen by malicious actors.
Educate Yourself
Staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and safe online practices is vital for protecting your personal information. By understanding common scams, phishing techniques, and emerging threats, you can better recognize and avoid potential risks. Continuous learning about cybersecurity helps you better understand new challenges.
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Backup Your Data
Regularly backing up your data is a critical step in safeguarding against data loss. By creating backups of important files and information, either on an external hard drive or a secure cloud service, you ensure that your data can be recovered in the event of a cyber attack, hardware failure, or accidental deletion. This practice helps you recover from ransomware attacks.
What Should I Do if I Suspect a Cyber Attack or Data Breach?
In case you suspect a cyber attack or data breach, the following steps can be followed-
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
First, stay calm and look for any unusual activity, like unexpected transactions or strange emails. Write down what you’ve noticed to help when you seek assistance.
Disconnect from the Internet
Immediately disconnect the affected device from the internet. This helps prevent further damage and stops any ongoing data transfer to or from the attacker.
Change Your Passwords
Change the passwords for all accounts that might be affected. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available. This helps secure your accounts from unauthorized access.
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Run a Security Scan
Use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan your device. This will help find and remove any harmful software that may have been installed during the breach. Make sure your security software is up-to-date.
Check for Breaches
Use online tools to see if your data has been involved in a breach. Websites like Have I Been Pwned can help you check if your email or other information has been compromised in known breaches.
Report the Incident
Report the breach to your organization’s IT department (if you have one), any affected service providers, and possibly the police. For example, notify your bank if financial details were compromised.
Monitor Your Accounts
Monitor your bank accounts, credit reports, and other important accounts for any unusual activity. Set up alerts for suspicious transactions or changes.
Update Security Measures
Review and strengthen your security measures to prevent future problems. This includes updating passwords, checking privacy settings, and making sure all your software is current. Learn about common cyber threats and how to stay safe online.
Consult Professionals
If needed, get help from cybersecurity experts. They can help you understand the breach, offer advice on how to fix it, and assist in recovering from the attack.
Document Everything
Keep detailed notes of what happened and what you did in response. This information can be useful for understanding the breach, improving security, and dealing with authorities or insurance claims.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, protecting yourself from cybercrime involves a combination of vigilance, good practices, and proactive measures. To safeguard your personal information, use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep your software up-to-date. Be cautious with emails and links, use secure connections, and manage your privacy settings carefully. Regularly monitor your accounts for suspicious activities and use reputable security software to detect and prevent threats. Educate yourself about cybersecurity risks and make regular backups of your important data.
If you suspect a cyber attack or data breach, stay calm, disconnect from the internet, and follow steps to secure your information, report the incident, and seek professional help if necessary. In this way, we can create a safe cyberspace for everybody.
Frequently Asked Questions-
1. How Can I Educate Myself and Stay Informed About Cyber Security?
To learn about cybersecurity and stay updated, read articles from trusted websites and news sources. Follow experts and organizations on social media for the latest updates. You can also take online courses or watch webinars to learn more. Subscribing to newsletters from security companies and joining online forums can give you useful tips. Keeping track of software updates and learning from recent security issues will help you stay informed about the best ways to protect yourself online.
2. How Can Businesses Protect Themselves and Their Customers from Cyber Crime?
Businesses can protect themselves and their customers from cyber crime by following these basic steps. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Keep all software and systems updated to fix security issues. Regularly backup important data to prevent loss. Train employees to spot phishing scams and suspicious activities. Use good security software and firewalls for extra protection. Also, have a clear plan to handle any cyber problems quickly.
3. How can I recognize phishing emails?
Phishing emails often appear suspicious and may contain urgent or threatening language. They might ask you to click on a link or download an attachment. Always verify the sender's email address and be cautious of any unexpected requests for personal information.
4. How can I protect my data when using public Wi-Fi?
When using public Wi-Fi, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection. Also, ensure that websites you visit use "https://" to secure your data during transmission.
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5. When should I consult cybersecurity professionals?
Consult cybersecurity professionals if you encounter a complex or severe cyber attack, need help understanding a breach, or require assistance in securing your systems. Experts can offer valuable advice and help you recover from security incidents.
References-
- What is cyber crime?
- What are the major types of cyber crimes?
- how to protect oneself from cybercrime
- Have I been pwned
Written by Priyanshi Gupta
Priyanshi is a first-year Law student at National Law University, Jabalpur, currently pursuing BALLB. My interests lie in exploring emerging areas of law. She is eager to delve into the impact of ever evolving technologies on the legal landscape.
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Further Reading
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