Protect Yourself from Cybercrime

Cybercrimes in Jamaica aren't taken nearly as seriously as other common criminal activities, solely on the basis that these crimes occur online. However, with the direction society is heading in, with an unusual dependence on technology and digital networking, the impact of these crimes grows stronger every day.

Cybercrimes take many different shapes and forms. One doesn't fall victim to cybercrimes from only e-shopping, or oversharing on social media. The truth is, once you're connected to The Internet, you are at risk. According to Senior Advisor in the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology, Trevor Forrest, Jamaica lost up to $100 Million in 2016 as a result of cybercrimes. This is a clear indication that Jamaica's cybersecurity is lacking, and must be improved posthaste to stand a chance in this digitized world.

There are many protective and preventative measures that can be taken to ensure that one does not fall prey to the cyber criminals of the World Wide Web, and with the introduction of a new National Identification System (NIDS), now may be the best time to put some of these measures into practice.

1. Use strong passwords. Once a password is required, then sensitive information is being stored. Technology is a two-way street. The more tech-savvy you become, the more tech-savvy cybercriminals become, and this puts you at risk for bigger cyber offenses. The stronger your password is, the less vulnerable you are to identity theft, scamming, bank fraud, etc.

2. Different site, different password. Chances are you don’t use one key for all the doors of your house. Why would you use the same password for all your online accounts? Using one password for e-mails, social media accounts, and banking accounts may be easier to remember, but it can only spell one thing: trouble. Once a cybercriminal figures out the password for one account, all other doors fly open, leaving you exposed.

3. Use anti-virus software. Unless you’re a computer whiz, it’s nearly impossible to identify a cyber-attack on your own. It’s even harder to combat said attack on your own. This is where anti-virus software comes into play. Good anti-virus software can save you from spending thousands of dollars to repair a hacked computer. The best part is, there are many companies providing free anti-virus protection for everyone.

4. Be aware. While the previously mentioned tips are great in protecting you from cybercrime, they are almost useless if you blindly walk into traps set for you by cybercriminals. Be on the lookout for any suspicious activity in your e-mail or on any website, and take fast action against it. Do not open, click links from, or respond to spam e-mails. Keep a keen eye out for any unusual e-mails from fraudulent companies that may pose to be legitimate, for example, fake bank websites. These are a few ways cybercriminals take advantage of innocent Internet users on a daily basis, and Jamaicans are no exception.