One in every ten individuals are victims of online fraud, and according to Crime Correspondent, Martin Evans, people are twenty times more likely to be robbed by computer criminals.
The explosion of cybercrime and online fraud according to The Telegraph saw six million offences committed in a single year. The result has seen Cyber-criminals clearing out unsuspecting victims bank accounts and attack their victims from miles away without ever coming into contact with their victims.
The latest lists of scams on Spam Laws include AdSide steals, literary scams, Email scams, jury duty scams, Nigerian money scams, and work at home scams. Also, IRS email scams, Vector marketing scams, PayPal scams, missing person scams, free vacation scams, and banking scams and prevalent. Data entry scams, gambling scams, multilevel marketing scams, mystery shopping scams, lonely heart scams, credit repair scams complete the list of those most popular.
FrankonFruad release the top fraud scams for 216 that shows millions was lost via fraudulent scams. The most common scams are debit/ cards, and online bank accounts used for shopping and gambling online as well as the cloning of debit cards. Dating scams, fraudulent online shopping sites, computer spyware, malware and viruses, hacking of email or social media accounts, rental fraud, and ticket fraud.
Hacking
Attempts to gain individuals information includes hacking, which occurs once a scammer or hacker gets access to information by using technology to break into networks, mobile devices or computers. Hacking methods include malware or/and ransomware, in which individuals are tricked into installing software that allows cyber thieves to access files and track all activities. Kevin Mitnik, a former hacker, urges people to use VPNs in order to avoid surveillance and to remain safe.
Weaknesses that allow easy access to hackers includes:
• Weak or easy to guess passwords,
• Unsecured Wi-Fi,
• Bluetooth connections
• Outdated anti-virus software.
Former, most wanted hacker, Kevin Mitnik, in a YouTube clip urges people to use VPNs in order to avoid surveillance and to remain safe. According to Mitnik, it takes hackers around 60 seconds to steal an identity, he urges people to use random passwords as everyone has a pattern in choosing passwords.
One recommended VPN for safe surfing is ExpressVPN works on all devices including routers, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, iOS, Android, Linux, Mac and Windows, plus it offers VPN extensions for browsers such as Safari, Chrome and Firefox.
By selecting ExpressVPN, users stay private, ISPs do not have access to browsing histories, and all traffic are sent via an encrypted tunnel. While Wi-Fi hotspots are dangerous, ExpressVPN encrypts all data once it is turned on before connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Hacker Protection
• Keep computer security up to date with any-spyware, anti-virus and a firewall and only purchase anti-virus software from reputable sources
• Use software that allows regular virus checks and offer great customer assistance to provide information should users require advise.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi hotspots as much as possible and secure devices and networks via VPN software.
• Use pins and passwords that would be difficult to guess by others and never save passwords on a computer or mobile device.
• Never open attachments or links in emails or social media messages from strangers.
• Avoid free website access or free downloads such as games, music and adult sites.
• Never use software that auto-completes online forms.
Ransomware & Malware
The most dangerous ransomware viruses are Locky, CryptoWall and Cerber Ransomware. Locky ransomware was first discovered in 2016 and is sent via an email attachment with a title of Invoice J-100. The mail attachment is a word document containing a macro and recipients are asked to run the macro should the invoice do not open, and once the macro is downloaded all required files are downloaded and the system is compromised.
Cerber ransomware is sent via an email attachment that infects systems once it is opened and the second method is the unsubscribe option on phishing lists, which leads to an attachment and finally to infection of the system.
CryptoWall ransomware is the most threatening and relies on the vulnerabilities in Java and is spread via malicious advertisements on Disney and Facebook websites. It can run on 64 and 32-bit systems although the effect can be minimised by temporarily replacing files from a backup.
The top VPN to protect all devices from ransomware is IPVanish. With IPVanish it is possible to surf the web without a trace, make secure internet connections, and get around censorships filters. The powerful VPN protects user’s data against hackers, offers end-to-end encryption for all devices, is easy to install and defends all data once it is installed. IPVanish also offers internet protocol security and internet key exchange.
Most Dangerous Malware
• Conficker is a remotely enabled worm that allows malware downloads
• Sality is a virus that allows downloads of additional malware from remote operations
• Cutwail spreads via spam emails
• Zeus is a Trojan mainly used to steal banking information
• Tinba is a banking Trojan
• Blackhole is a kit that exploits plugin and browser security flaws
IPVanish is another highly recommended VPN to fight against Malware. It enables individuals to shut out identity thieves, and hackers every time users go online. IVPN encrypts all internet activity and ensures that logs are kept ensuring privacy. IVPN utilizes AES-256 encryption with 4,096-bit RSA keys to offer robust encryption and automatically blocks privacy leaks. The all-in-one, VPN security package, offers easy setup, no contracts, 7-day refund, full network access, up to 5 devices are covered via multiple connections and fast 24/7 support.
Apple Mac Ransomware
Mac OS users believe their systems are exempt from ransomware attacks, it is less likely that Apple systems are attacked, yet it has nothing to do with the vulnerability of iOS since it is largely due to the fact that over ninety percent of computers run on Windows and only 6% on Mac OS.
Apple issued a video tutorial on how to protect data, and warned users to avoid downloading BitTorrent version 2.90 file sharing software that delivered ransomware. On the 15th of June 2017, another MacBook warning was published to warm Apple users of spyware and ransomware being spread on the dark web designed to solely affect Mac and MacBook, owners.
All systems are vulnerable to powerful ransomware and malware attacks. Tech experts agree that the best way to protect systems from malware such as the WannaCry worm and ransomware is to keep systems updated, install VPN’s, anti-virus software, choose passwords that are difficult to decipher and to avoid using public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Microsoft Ransomware Defender
Microsoft Users can read detailed reviews and tips on how to protect their systems by following the links provided. Microsoft Ransomware Defender: Microsoft Ransomware Defender. Microsoft added additional features to Windows10 software to keep user’s safe, and ransomware is explained via a video and text tutorial.
