Most of us habitually check our doors are locked each night. We don’t leave our cars open with the keys in the ignition. We take care not to let anyone watch us enter our PIN at the cash machine. When it comes to cyber-security, however, many people aren’t anywhere near as routinely cautious – which is one of the reasons that online crime continues to pose a major threat.
The UK had the largest percentage of cyber-crime victims per million internet users in 2022; the US had the second-highest ratio. Nations with (relatively) wealthy populations who spent a lot of time online are, therefore, lucrative hunting grounds for cyber criminals. Our NOS #WakeUpWednesday guide this week has useful tips to help you avoid joining the growing number of victims.
In 2001, an average of six people an hour had an online account compromised. Now, the average is 97 every hour. The pandemic undeniably added to this level of risk, as work and education went remote and cyber criminals sensed an opportunity. More recently, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has accelerated the growth of cyber threats, with both sides carrying out online attacks.
The irony is that many of these incursions are facilitated by devices designed to make our lives easier. Smart home appliances, wearable tech, streaming services … virtually any internet-enabled device is a potential entry point for a competent cyber-criminal. Check out the tips in the NOS #WakeUpWednesday guide to see if your home is as cyber-secure as it could be.
