Cyber crime
What is cyber crime?
The internet is an amazing tool for communication, doing business, shopping, research and much more. Unfortunately, this also provides anonymity for criminals, so we have to be aware when we are online.
The term cyber crime refers to a variety of crimes carried out online through computers, laptops, tablets, internet-enabled televisions, smart phones and games consoles.
You are 20 times more likely to be robbed at your computer screen than robbed in the street but people are still not doing enough to protect themselves from being a target on the internet.
In April 2017 Kent residents lost over £1.1million to cyber crime, but the actual figure is likely to be much higher as most people do not report an online crime. Within the same month, Kent residents lost over £470,000 to investment and pension scams.
There are many different types of cyber crime that have affected Kent residents and understanding the most common crimes and fraud can help you to avoid becoming a victim. Kent Police, Get Safe Online and Action Fraud offer good overall advice about how to protect yourself and your family.
Find out more about the most common types of cyber crime and how to prevent and project yourself:
Help improve your online security
Here are some very basic steps you can take to improve your online security:
- regularly change passwords, especially on social media accounts
- regularly update antivirus software on computers and laptops
- teach your children about how to stay safe online
- never click on links or download documents received in uninvited emails
- always check online sellers before you pay for goods - only pay by secure means
- always be wary of anyone asking for personal information especially banking details
- advice about keeping your children safe online
- contact Kent Police to report online bullying, harassment or stalking
You can watch our videos to understand how easily criminals can target you online.