9 Ways You Could Be Inviting Cybercrime

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

We teach our children to use the buddy system. We remind them to look both ways before crossing the street. We instruct them not to accept gifts from strangers. But one of the most dangerous threats of all lies in the place many of us consider to be the safest: our own home.

Despite all of the precautions we take to protect our families and safeguard our residences, none of us are immune to the risks of the internet. Our computers, smartphones, and tablets allow us to access boundless information and communicate with people all over the world; unfortunately, these virtual connections also expose our vulnerabilities and leave us open to online predators.

In honor of National Internet Safety Month this June, here are a few common ways that you may be inviting cybercriminals into your home, and what you can do to safeguard yourself and your family from identity theft, fraud, harassment, cyberstalking, and more.

Combating Cybercrime

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

June is National Internet Safety Month. This month, the National Cyber Security Alliance and many other organizations are raising awareness about Internet safety.

The Internet provides us access to limitless information, which is used by billions of consumers daily. People of all ages use this tool to research, connect with others, shop, advertise, pay bills, watch movies and more. Nearly any convenience is a few keystrokes away, but there are risks involved.

We hear daily stories of online crime, from identity theft and fraud to harassment and cyberstalking. Violent crimes, such as human trafficking and sexual assault have occurred as a result of information revealed on the Internet. Yet, many people do not realize how susceptible they are to being a victim.

Here are several ways you can protect yourself from cybercrime:

• Keep your security software updated. Having current security software can protect you from viruses, malware and other security threats. Make sure to scan any external device you plug into your computer, such as USB drives.
• Create long passwords. Keeping your passwords long, varied and unique to each account creates a stronger fortress against online criminals. Feel free to write passwords down, but remember to store them in a safe location.
• Be conscious of untrusted sites. Visiting security-enabled websites when shopping or banking and adjusting your browser settings to limit who you share information with, can help to keep your personal information secure.
• Avoid anything suspicious. Cybercriminals often use emails, posts and online advertising to access your personal information or corrupt your system. Do not forward or click on suspicious links. Delete or mark them as junk.
• Privatize social media accounts. Taking advantage of the privacy settings on your social media accounts, can prevent criminals from using your information against you. Make sure your profile is visible only to your contacts.
• Spread the word. Talk to your friends and family about Internet safety. By helping others understand how to protect themselves, you can decrease the number of cybercrimes that occur.

Following these tips can help keep you safe from online predators. To learn more about Internet safety, visit http://www.staysafeonline.org/. And remember that you can help prevent cybercrime.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

National Internet Safety Month

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

June is National Internet Safety Month, an important observance in today’s technology-savvy world. As a parent of a teenager myself, I find this issue to be extremely relevant. With social networks rapidly attracting a younger age demographic, child abuse online is increasing. In 2009, CalVCP received 13,580 applications involving child abuse, including underage victims who met their predator online. Research shows online abuse can quickly lead to in-person interactions since many internet offenders disguise their age and then invite children into their home. These offenses are why CalVCP is committed to spreading awareness to keep children safe from online abuse.

Last week a headline came across my desk that caught my attention, “7 charged in gang rape of 2 minors in Santa Paula [Southern California].” Upon further reading, I discovered that these men met the minors online, through a social networking website. Many teens are willing to meet with strangers. 16 percent of teens considered meeting someone they've only talked to online and eight percent have actually met someone they only knew online. 52 percent of teens have given out personal information online to someone they don't know offline including personal photos and/or physical descriptions of themselves (Enough.org).

I find these statistics quite frightening. It’s why this month CalVCP encourages all parents and guardians to be diligent and learn how to protect our children from becoming victims of internet crimes. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has suggestions for the best ways to protect and monitor a computer-savvy minor. Here are some of their tips:

• If you have reason to suspect your child is viewing inappropriate sites, do not overact. Approach your children with respect.
• Always maintain access to your child's online account and frequently check his/her account.
• Teach your children about responsible use of the resources on the Internet.
• Instruct your children never to arrange face-to-face meetings with someone they met online and not to respond to messages or bulletin board postings that are suggestive, obscene, or harassing.
• Tell your children to NEVER give out identifying information such as name, address, school name or telephone number to people they don't know.

As we observe National Internet Safety Month, we will be posting internet safety tips on our Twitter and Facebook pages. Let us continue to be cautious and keep our children safe from online predators and bullies. I encourage you to learn how to use social media, so you understand how these platforms are being exploited to hurt children. I hope you and your children will continue to make safe choices online.