Cybercrime is any crime committed on the internet or using a computer. The definition extends to stolen personal data, credit card fraud, and other forms of identity theft or scams. With our economy becoming increasingly dependent upon technology, it stands to reason that the percentage of cybercrime would also increase. In 2019, it is theorized that around $1.5 trillion dollars are spent by people trying to protect themselves from cybercrime.
Besides the money involved, cybercrime statistics have only risen in recent years. About 1 in 4 Americans are affected by cybercrime each year, mostly from their data being leaked from breaches in large companies. With fraud, over half of Americans are either at risk or are already victims. The damage from online fraud for an individual is usually the exposure of personal info. This means that things like your name, address, social security number, credit card information, and more are posted online for others to take and use, but it can get much worse if a business’s information is exposed.
So what are you supposed to do after a cybercrime happens to your business?
File a Cybercrime Report
Like a physical crime, the first thing you should do is file a report with the police. With our assets digitized, computer crimes can be more devastating. Unfortunately, you may not know anything about the thief or any helpful information, but you need to file the report anyway. The report does two things: it declares your innocence, and it puts a formal start to the investigation. When it comes to stolen money, your financial institution will want to see the police report.
You will want to have confirmation of your identity on hand when you file. This will include a government-issued ID, proof of address such as a bill, and one other document. This last one may be another notice with your name and address on it.
Protect Yourself
Some people use password storage apps, others use one password for everything. No matter which person you are, a full overhaul of your security should take place after a cybercrime occurs. If there was one breach, there may be more in the future, so take care to change all the passwords you have for any sensitive account. This can include financial accounts you have open or even your online photo books. Everything should be changed for security.
Another step would be to add malware protection to your computer and run the program. The criminal activity may have come from outside, but it is still good practice to maintain a clean work computer.
The last step should be to update all of your browsers, operating systems, and protective services. They should be at the latest versions so you have the maximum protection.
Moving Forward After Cybercrime
Any crime can put you in a bad spot, but you shouldn’t let it get you down. These things can happen to anyone, from a CEO to a janitor. You may be worried about your company when these things happen, but fortunately, there are steps you can take afterward that can prevent you from falling victim to cybercrime again.
If you have not done so already, consider adding Cyber Liability to your coverage. It’s a foolproof way to contend with the increasing cybercrime rates. You do not want to find yourself in this mess without some backup at your side.
With cyber liability insurance, you have an agent to help you get everything done the right way. Along with someone to help you, cyber insurance will cover the costs associated with cybercrime such as legal fees. If you fear a loss in reputation because your business needs to recover from the cybercrime, this insurance also alleviates the time spent rebuilding assets and acquiring more protection, so you can get back on your feet.
That’s all you need when unfortunate events happen.
EZ.Insure is there to make sure you’re not alone. Your agent will answer any questions you have, compare different plans for you, and even sign you up when you’re ready, free of charge and without having to worry about being hounded by endless calls. To get started simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or you can speak to an agent by emailing replies@ez.insure, or calling 888-350-1890. EZ.Insure makes the entire process easy, and quick.