Police Highlight Cyber Security Awareness Month

The Bermuda Police Service, in recognition of October as “Cyber Security Awareness Month,” is once again reminding the public to stay vigilant and take preventive measures to protect themselves from the many forms of cybercrime.

A police spokesperson said, “With October designated “Cyber Security Awareness Month”, the Bermuda Police Service is once more reminding the public to be on the lookout and take preventive measures to avoid falling victim to cybercrime.

“Cybercrime encompasses a wide range of illegal activities conducted through the internet or other computer networks and can be broadly categorised into several types.

These include:

Hacking:

“Unauthorised access to computer systems, often leading to data breaches that compromise sensitive information such as personal details, financial records and corporate secrets.

Phishing:

“Deceptive attempts to acquire sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity, typically through emails or fake websites, which may result in identity theft and financial loss.

Malware:

“Malicious software, including viruses, worms, and ransomware that disrupts normal operations, damages systems or encrypts data for ransom, leading to significant financial costs and operational downtime.

Denial of Service [DOS] attacks:

“Overloading a network or website to render it unavailable, causing disruptions for businesses and users alike and potentially leading to substantial revenue losses.

Cyberstalking and Harassment:

“Using technology to stalk or harass individuals, which can have severe psychological impacts on victims and contribute to a climate of fear.

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith of the Bermuda Police Service Specialist Crime Unit stated: “The Bermuda Police Service is in the process of establishing a Cyber-Security Unit. This unit is being formed to address the rising number of cyber related crimes reported. The impact of cybercrime is profound, affecting individuals, businesses and governments.

“From a local financial perspective, it has resulted in millions of dollars in losses. Not only from direct theft but also from recovery efforts and increased security measures. It undermines trust in digital systems, stifles innovation and poses significant risk to national security.”

“As our reliance on technology continues to grow, the importance of robust security measures and public awareness becomes paramount in mitigating the risks associated with cyber-crime.”

A police spokesperson added, “How to Spot Scams:

Suspicious Emails, SMS, or WhatsApp messages

• “Look out for unexpected messages asking for personal or financial information.

• “Phishing emails often have poor spelling, odd greetings, or strange email addresses/telephone numbers.

Urgency or Threats.

• “Scammers may say things like “Your account will be locked” or “Act now to avoid charges!”

• “Be cautious of messages that make you feel rushed or anxious.

Unknown Links and Attachments.

• “Don’t click on unfamiliar links or open attachments from people you don’t know.

• “Always verify the sender before clicking.

Too-good-to-be-true offers.

• “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Unsolicited or random offers for free gifts or large sums of money are often phishing attempts.

“Tips to Protect Yourself Online:

Never Share Your Passwords.

• “Don’t share your passwords, especially through email or text.

Look for the Padlock Symbol.

• “When shopping or banking online, make sure the website starts with “https” and has a padlock icon in the address bar.

Keep Your Software Up to Date.

• “Always update your phone, computer, and apps to protect against security threats.

Use Two-Factor Authentication [2FA].

• “This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a code from your phone or email.

Check if your e-mail has been breached.

• “Visit https://haveibeenpwned.com to see if your email address has been compromised in a data breach.

“What to do if you suspect you’ve been targeted or have become a victim.

Don’t Panic.

• “If you believe you’ve shared personal information with a bad actor, immediately change your passwords.

Report It.

• “Let your bank or email provider know. They can help protect your accounts.

• “Report it to the Bermuda Police Service by sending an email at https://portal.police.bm

Run a Virus Scan.

• “If you clicked a suspicious link, use antivirus software to scan your device.

“For more information or assistance, visit us at https://portal.police.bm”

#BermudaPolice #CyberSecurity

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