Cyber Crime: The Top Threat to Our National Security and What You Need to Know

Cyber crime is a growing threat that is getting more complex, sophisticated, and specialized—making cyber crimes far more challenging to detect and investigate. According to the 5th Annual Global Cost of Cyber Crime Study conducted by Ponemon Institute, the average time to resolve a cyber attack has risen to 45 days, up from 32 days the year prior. Cyber crimes and the expertise that’s used to hack systems pose increased harm to companies and individuals. There are criminals operating across the globe and in nearly 200 different countries who continue to develop large-scale attacks targeting corporate networks and smaller assaults aimed at stealing personal information from individuals.

The increase in the quantity and quality of cyber crimes is alarming. In fact, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence ranks cyber crime as the highest threat to our country’s national security, above terrorism, espionage, and weapons of mass destruction (Tweet this). Just as these criminals are collaborating to steal data, we must create a united front where organizations, leaders, and individuals maintain awareness of the common tactics used and take necessary, routine precautions to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft and other forms of cyber crime.

How can a hacker get into my computer?

Related Post: Identity Theft Protection

Hackers gain access through a variety of ways with the most common being web-based attacks. These well-planned attacks are designed to locate weak entry points into corporate networks and take advantage of the most common things we do as individuals while using the Internet. For instance, cyber criminals know that opening email attachments, clicking on hyperlinks, and installing our own software and system updates have become a standard practice for the everyday online user. We do these things mostly without thinking. Criminals use our autopilot mode-of-thinking to their advantage and disguise attacks.

The Most Important Step You Can Take to Prevent Attacks and Safeguard Your Personal Information

Stop. Think. Connect. Sound familiar? This is actually the name of the cyber security campaign launched by the Anti-Phishing Working Group and National Cyber Security Alliance. The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness of cyber crimes and encourage online users to stop and understand the risks associated with using the Internet and to think before clicking. Sadly, clicking without thinking is still common practice, but there’s a bright side. Recent research revealed that 93% of Americans feel their online actions can help make the Web safer for everyone. It’s a matter of staying on top of the tactics being used and maintaining proper protection.

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