Digital technology, including the Internet, has revolutionized how people interact and shop. Where this has made life quite manageable for the majority, it also comes with its pitfalls. One primary concern that comes with digital technology is online fraud. It’s a new avenue of fraud, and fraudsters are creating a crime-paradise from financial transactions to social media accounts, blackmailing to harassment, pornography, and trafficking.
If you’re on the Internet, you are susceptible to online fraud as those with evil intentions are spread throughout everywhere. It has become so widespread and financially fruitful that there are global gangs involved in a variety of online crimes and fraud. It has become a massive concern for the whole online community and especially for units and individuals who use online systems to make payments and transactions. These concerns have led digital technology scientists to branch out into computer forensics. It involves the identification of criminal activity and the criminals behind it. Computer forensics has helped identify several ways to protect oneself against online fraud.
- Install Anti-virus/Anti-malware
When you are online on any of your devices, then your device is susceptible to attack from those involved in hacking and online fraud. Your first line of defense against such attacks is to install anti-virus and anti-malware software. Some of the devices have inbuilt software that protects your device from common malware, spyware, and viruses. Such software ensures that unauthorized groups do not access your data. Sometimes, however, you have to install additional protection software to protect your device and data from external attacks. Once a third party has gained access to your data, you are susceptible to all kinds of fraud that may include blackmailing, identity theft, etc. So, make sure that you have valid protection software installed.
- Use Public Wi-Fi with caution
If you use public Wi-Fi, then do not enter your personal information while using the Internet. Strictly avoid making online purchases or logging into your accounts while using public Wi-Fi. Just limit yourself to browsing or messaging apps with your phone number. If you enter information like passwords or credit card details over public Wi-Fi, online fraud predators are just on the lookout for such prey, and they can fetch your data without you being aware. If you wish to delve deep into the science and investigative procedures involving the examination of digital evidence, then computer forensics jobs will unravel this path for you.
- Be Wary of Emails from Unknown Senders
In this age of the Internet, it’s challenging to ensure that only those people have your email ID who you know or who are reliable. When you are connected to the Internet or install and use applications, you knowingly and unknowingly allow access to some of your personal information to certain entities. It includes your email ID and this data can either be stolen or sold in some cases. Email scams are one of the most common Internet fraud scams, and you receive a harmless-looking email redirecting you towards some website. These web links can make you the prey of those involved in online fraud. You should not open the link sent via an email unless you know the sender or are sure about the authenticity of the sender. Do not reply to emails from unknown senders. Email scams involving job offers are also quite common. Do not share your information with anyone offering a job through email unless you have personally applied for the job.
- Do Not Install Unauthorized Applications
It is imperative to make sure that the distributor of an application you are downloading is authorized. Only install apps through the authorized stores as the licensed stores have a check and balance in place that weed out applications that can cause harm to the users. Unauthorized apps installed on your device can steal your data quickly. Computer forensics has shown that there are back doors in such applications that allow hackers to gain access to your device. As a result, your personal information can be accessed by people and organizations that can use your data for nefarious schemes.
- Use High Strength Passwords
It often happens, to save yourself the trouble of thinking a challenging password, you choose an easy one. Such passwords are cracked easily with the help of apps with some basic knowledge, and your information can be easily accessed and changed. Therefore, it is best to use high strength passwords and not to use similar passwords for every account. It’s relatively foolproof to augment your high strength password with 2-step authentication. It means that you cannot log into your account without entering a code that you receive on your phone or email.
- Guard Personal Information
No one other than you should know your personal information like your passwords and credit card details. Never exchange such information over the Internet. Even if you have anti-virus and anti-malware installed on your device, you still do not share personal account information over the web, whether it is messaging applications or emails. You should also not store your passwords on your device. If you think you will forget the passwords, keep it somewhere that is easily accessible, for instance, in your wallet.
- Keep Device Software Update
Do not ignore those device update notifications. The updates involve significant to minor bug fixes that ensure that no third party can gain access to your device. Keeping your device software updated is the best protection against online frauds. The sooner your device is updated, your data is secure from online attacks.
- Be On The Lookout For Copycat Websites
Whenever you are entering your personal information on a website, make sure that it is an official website. Copycat websites that mimic the renowned official sites are just on the web to prey on the susceptible public. Anyone who cannot spot the subtle differences can fall into this trap, thus making their data accessible to those involved in online fraud. Computer forensics has made it easier to spot such websites. You should always begin with reading what is on the site before filling in any information.
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