How to Combat Cyber Fraud?
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| How to Combat Cyber Fraud? |
How to Combat Cyber Fraud?
With the advent of the internet and the growth of financial and commercial transactions through technological means, cyber fraud has evolved into a real threat for many individuals.
Cyber fraud encompasses all fraudulent activities carried out using modern technological methods.
In this article, we will introduce you to the concept and forms of cyber fraud, as well as highlight the important precautions to take to avoid falling into its trap.
Article elements:
- The Concept of Cyber Fraud
- Forms of Cyber Fraud
- Examples of the Most Common Cyber Fraud Cases
- How to Combat Cyber Fraud
- Ways to Report Cyber Fraud
The Concept of Cyber Fraud:
As the name suggests, cyber fraud is a form of scam that aims to unlawfully seize other people's money and assets.
This type of fraud is carried out using internet services or related software, resulting in financial losses estimated in millions of dollars worldwide.
Cyber fraud can lead to both material and emotional losses, depending on the professionalism and experience of the fraudulent party.
Sometimes, the source of the fraud may be a close friend trying to play a bad joke, while other times it may be orchestrated by specialized individuals or networks.
While the primary objective of fraud is to achieve financial gains through illicit means, the process of scams and the methods used remain numerous and varied.
Some types of cyber fraud target large financial profits through limited fraudulent operations, while others focus on smaller amounts through multiple and frequent operations, which also generate substantial financial gains.
Forms of Cyber Fraud:
Cyber fraud encompasses various computer and mobile phone devices by targeting programs and applications connected to the internet.
At any given moment, you may become a victim of this fraud in one way or another, so it is important to exercise caution and avoid risking any personal details.
Some forms of cyber fraud include:
1. Email Scams:
Often, you may receive emails that contain links to contests or enticing prizes such as smartphones or vacation opportunities. After clicking on the link, you may be asked to provide personal or financial information, such as your credit card number.
They may also request a small monetary transfer to claim the prize. If you comply, you expose your information to risk, as there may be rapid financial transfers from your account.
Another deceptive method involves receiving a forged email that appears to be sent from a friend or official entity, while it is a phishing attempt. This email will request specific sensitive information. For example, the message may inform you that you need to change your PayPal password due to an attempted breach.
The email may appear to be from the official website, increasing the likelihood of complying with the request and entering a new password, which can then be exploited by the fraudulent party.
2. Smartphones:
Installing hacked applications or clicking on certain links can lead to the compromise of personal data such as photos, files, passwords, and bank card numbers. This makes you a victim in the hands of certain individuals who may blackmail you for money or use your data for their benefit.
Sometimes, individuals impersonate your friend online using the same name and profile picture, to request a favor, such as getting a phone shipment or personal information.
3. Computers:
Certain computers, especially those owned by companies and businessmen, contain highly important and sensitive data. Hackers and scammers resort to breaching these computers using malicious software and links, causing them to stop functioning. Subsequently, they communicate with you and extort money in exchange for restoring access to your account.
4. E-commerce:
Given the growth and significance of e-commerce, it has also been associated with some forms of cyber fraud. You may fall victim to fake websites that do not have any real goods, which means you would pay money without receiving any products in return.
Some websites may redirect you to unfamiliar electronic payment methods to steal your banking information.
5. Exploiting Disasters:
After a natural disaster or pandemic, scammers organize fake campaigns that appeal for donations to help victims. With good intentions, a person may participate in such campaigns, which means providing sensitive data such as banking information.
Examples of the Most Common Cyber Fraud Cases:
Gaining the trust of victims and then proceeding to steal their money and data is the most prevalent method in cyber phishing operations.
Hackers conduct their attacks using malicious software, and often these fraud schemes have severe consequences for individuals, companies, and even politicians, posing a threat to their political careers.
To understand the seriousness of cyber fraud, we present some of its most famous cases:
1. Toyoda Boshoku Company:
In 2019, the "Toyoda Boshoku" company, which supplies and equips Toyota cars with certain components, fell victim to an electronic fraud operation amounting to approximately 37 million US dollars.
The scammers convinced the financial manager to change the bank account information of the recipient, enabling them to obtain the mentioned funds.
2. Digital Currencies:
In 2017, many individuals lost thousands of dollars after losing their "Ethereum" digital currencies. The attackers managed to penetrate the currency wallet, extract the currency, and transfer it to their servers.
In the same year, the "WannaCry" virus, also known as a "ransomware attack," spread, disabling around two hundred thousand computers. To regain access, the hackers demanded a payment in the form of a cryptocurrency (Bitcoin), which is difficult to trace.
3. Election Interference:
During the 2016 US presidential election campaign, hackers gained access to the email of Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton. It is believed that the hacking operation had an impact on the election results, contributing to Donald Trump's victory as president.
4. Yahoo Company:
Between 2013 and 2016, Yahoo suffered a data breach that affected approximately 3 billion users. This incident allowed the attackers to access data and passwords that could be used to access other online services and accounts.
How to Combat Cyber Fraud?
Fraudsters constantly innovate their methods and techniques in cybercrime, but taking some simple precautions can enhance information security.
Here are some tips that can help you avoid falling victim to cyber fraud:
1. Use legitimate versions of banking applications:
If you use a banking application on your mobile phone, make sure to download the legitimate version from the app store.
Generally, genuine banking apps can only be activated through the bank itself, so any easily activated banking app should be treated with suspicion.
2. Download apps from reputable stores:
Ensure that you download all applications from reputable app stores. Downloading apps from unknown sources can expose your data and privacy to theft, making you vulnerable to electronic extortion.
3. Keep your phone updated:
Install the latest phone system updates, as they often include files that enhance protection against various forms of hacking.
4. Avoid clicking on unknown source links:
Even if the links are sent to you by your friends, clicking on them can expose you to hacking or the installation of malicious software on your phone without your knowledge. Do not open unknown email messages.
5. Be cautious of transactions involving third parties:
Exercise extreme caution if asked to receive funds into your account and then transfer them to a third party. You may unknowingly become involved in a scam or money laundering operation.
6. Use antivirus software:
Whether on your smartphone or computer, don't hesitate to install reputable antivirus software with a good reputation to enhance the security of your devices.
7. Use complex passwords:
Include letters, symbols, and numbers in your passwords, and change them immediately if you suspect any suspicious activity. Remember that your bank will never send you an email asking for your credit or debit card number. Such an email indicates that you are about to become a victim of cyber fraud.
8. Know that you can't win a prize in a competition you didn't enter:
Remember that you won't win a prize in a competition you didn't enter or be selected for a list you didn't join. Be aware that you will never be asked for money to receive a legitimate prize.
9. Avoid buying from unknown websites:
Only make online purchases from well-known websites and reputable online stores. If you have doubts about the credibility of certain websites, don't hesitate to research further to ensure their legitimacy. Be sure to use secure electronic payment methods.
By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber fraud. Stay vigilant and regularly update your knowledge on the latest fraudulent tactics to protect yourself and your information.
Ways to Report Cyber Fraud?
After experiencing a cyber fraud incident, do not hesitate to report it to reclaim your rights and contribute to protecting others from falling into the trap of internet fraud.
In this regard, you can report this type of fraud through the following means:
- Contact your bank as soon as possible and inform them about the fraudulent activity. This is important to halt any further transactions that may be carried out using the compromised banking information obtained by the fraudsters.
- Write and submit a complaint to the relevant authorities responsible for combating cybercrime. You can turn to the police and the judiciary to report the fraud. Do not hesitate to do so, even if you think it may not be fruitful, as an increase in reporting incidents prompts the authorities to take quicker action.
- Write multiple posts in various groups and dedicated pages to expose the perpetrator. This can be very beneficial in limiting the activities of certain networks and individuals. Additionally, it may allow you to receive solutions and recommendations from other members.
By reporting cyber fraud incidents, you play an active role in fighting against online scams and protecting others from becoming victims. Remember to provide all relevant details and evidence to assist the authorities in their investigation