Cybercrime is defined as “a crime in which a computer is an object of the crime or is used as a tool to commit an offense”. In a more general sense, cybercrime is a consequence of misusing technology. Just like all other great inventions, technology can also be exploited to blackmail people, organizations, or governments, or for stealing people’s personal information. Cybercrime includes online thefts related to online bank information, identity, unauthorized computer access, copyright infringement, money laundering, and predatory crimes. It also undertakes cyber harassment, cyberbullying, cyberstalking and child sexual exploitation.

In countries like Pakistan where the technology sector has immense potential to grow, with the government just has introduced a new e-commerce policy framework and the country has reached fourth-largest growing freelancing country, there is a dire need for IT and cybersecurity. Business organizations using various ERPs and other technological tools need to be aware of potential threats and ethical hacking methods to secure their networks. Below is a list of types and tactics that can be used to cope with cyber threats and crimes:

Educating Employees About Security

Training employees about different security threats is crucial. They must learn to ignore phishing texts and emails and learn to do secure coding.

Network Security

Network Security is related to malicious intrusion into your confidential information. It can be dealt with using multiple log-ins and machine learning for alerts and securing abnormal traffic.

Critical Infrastructure

Critical infrastructure is related to transportation, electricity and hospital instruments, which must be protected. Connecting Access PowerPoints into the internets of critical infrastructure i.e. grid stations, highways, hospitals, etc. must not happen for safety.

Internet of Things (IoT) Security

IoT refers to appliances, sensors, security cameras, and printers. They are also intruded by unknown external sources and, therefore, must be protected.

Social Engineering

Cybercriminals do not necessarily need to become a computer to dodge you. They can mislead you even as humans, with unrelated and threatening information on websites you most often use. Ongoing user education is the best way to tackle this.

Social Media Settings

Use different passwords for different social media websites and emails such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Gmail, etc. Furthermore, use two-factor authentication codes so that you know it when someone else logs in.

Encryption

Use encrypted messages for confidential information so that not even a hacker can decode your message. It requires spectacular astronomical decoding resources and time to un-encrypt those messages.

Anti-Virus and Firewalls

Different anti-virus methods prevent your system from intrusion of new viruses and counter already ingrained viruses. On the other hand, firewalls restrict access and usage of systems by unauthorized and uncontrolled sources.

Talk to Children

Talk to your children about the internet and teach them not to visit unrelated websites. Give them confidence so that they come to you if there is any chance of cyberbullying.

All the above-techniques protect your network from outside breaches and intrusions. So, better be aware and install appropriate devices in your enterprises before someone intrudes your system, and creates havoc.