The cybercriminals' scams


Identity theft has become an extremely lucrative business for cybercriminals. One of the most common methods of obtaining valuable data is so-called “phishing”. Criminals try to get users to reveal personal data such as passwords, credit card numbers or social security numbers by, for example, impersonating a bank or online shop.

Another trick is “spoofing”. Fraudsters manipulate the communication between the user and the server in order to intercept information and use it for their own purposes.

The price of our identity


Once cyber criminals have access to personal data, they can act on behalf of the data subject. They can open bank accounts, take out loans, purchase goods and even engage in illegal activities. The financial and legal consequences for victims can be devastating.

Two fictional examples


Example 1: The phishing case

One day, Mr. Schmidt received an email from his bank. The message informed him that his account information needed to be updated and asked him to follow a link and enter his information. Since Mr. Schmidt recognized the email address as that of his bank, he followed the instructions without hesitation.

In reality, the email came from cybercriminals who had created a near-perfect copy of the bank's website. As soon as Mr. Smith entered his details, the fraudsters had full access to his bank account. They transferred his money to offshore accounts and took out loans in his name.

Mr. Schmidt should have checked the email more closely. He could have noticed that the URL of the website did not match that of his bank. Additionally, he could have called his bank to verify the email before giving out his information.


Example 2: The online shopping trap

Ms. Müller loved shopping on the Internet. One day she discovered a new online store that was offering incredible discounts on designer clothing. She registered, entered her credit card information and purchased a few items.

A few days later, Ms. Müller discovered that her credit card statement showed several suspicious transactions that she had not made. She had unknowingly given her credit card details to fraudsters who used them to make purchases at her expense.

Ms. Müller should have been more skeptical. She could have checked the legitimacy of the online store by looking for ratings and customer reviews. Additionally, she could have noticed that the website did not have a secure connection (https) - a clear sign that the website is not secure.


Tips for protecting yourself from identity theft


It may seem threatening, but there are effective methods to protect yourself from identity theft:

  1. Password protection : Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts and change them regularly.
  2. Multi-factor authentication : Wherever possible, use two-factor or multi-factor authentication. This provides an additional layer of protection by requiring you to prove that you are actually the account holder, usually through a code sent to your phone.
  3. careful with emails : Be wary of emails that ask you to provide personal information, even if they appear to be from a trustworthy source. It is always safer to visit the company's website directly by manually entering the URL into your browser.
  4. Secure connections : Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for transactions that require sensitive data. If you can't avoid this, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data.
  5. Regular Checks : Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for suspicious activity.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft. In the digital age, information security is not a luxury but a necessity.


Why entrepreneurs should educate themselves on cybersecurity


Business owners are on the front lines when it comes to cybersecurity threats. A single successful cyberattack can not only cause significant financial damage, but also ruin a company's reputation and undermine customer trust. Therefore, it is essential for business owners to stay informed about the latest threats and protection measures.

A business owner who is aware of the methods of identity theft and other cyber threats is better able to protect their business. This can be achieved by both implementing appropriate security protocols and training employees. An informed and vigilant team can often make all the difference in defending against cyber threats.

The benefits of our workshops for entrepreneurs


Our specially developed workshops offer entrepreneurs a deep insight into the world of cybercrime and the most effective defense strategies. They go beyond general knowledge and provide specific, practice-oriented tips that are directly applicable in the corporate context.

Our workshops also offer the opportunity to play through scenarios and develop solutions for possible security problems. This is a big advantage over purely theoretical training. Our experts can present customized strategies and protocols specific to your organization's needs and risks.

With these workshops, entrepreneurs not only strengthen their own cyber skills, but also help promote a culture of cybersecurity throughout their company. So it's an investment that pays off in many ways.


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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )