How To Protect Yourself From The Top 6 Cyber Threats of 2018

2017 was a horrible year for cyber-crimes. There was the Equifax breach, the Wannacry Virus, and don't forget the endless stream of phishing scams that populate our Inboxs. Cyber-criminals make millions from their victims so unfortunately, internet crime isn't going away. Threats will be bigger and smarter this year. Education is one of the best ways to keep you safe from these threats. Here are five cyber crimes that I think you'll hear a lot about in 2018.

1. More Data Breaches. Think the Equifax breach was bad? Criminals will continue to set their sights on other companies that hold sensitive data. You could see hacks occurring with other companies that hold data such as birth dates and Social Security Numbers. This is the information hackers want in order to steal your identity.

2. Health Care Attacks. The health care industry has become an attractive target to hackers. Most health care companies have personal information that could be use for traditional financial fraud, but they also your have health insurance information, which is sold on the dark internet to criminals wanting to commit medical fraud. Crimes like obtaining free medical care or purchasing expensive medical equipment under your name isn't caught as quickly as credit card or bank account fraud.

3. Crytopjacking. CyberCurrency, especially BitCoin has soared in popularity in 2017. Many companies and people are starting to invest millions in this online currency which makes it an attractive target to criminals. The other thing that makes cybercurrency attractive to hackers is the fact it doesn't take much work for them to steal it. Using your computer and smartphone, hackers can install viruses and malware to exploit websites that generate revenue using cryptocurrency. .

4. Ransomeware. Ransomeware is one of the most deadly threats on the Internet. Usually showing up as a phishing email, a single Ransomware attack can quickly bring down entire networks, leaving homes and businesses with lost data. Hackers will continue to target computers, smartphones and tablets, but look for a shift to cloud based storage systems because more of you are using the cloud to house critical documents.

5. Anti-Virus Vulnerabilities. People are becoming more savvy with spotting hacks and scams which means hackers will switch back to device hacking attacking your device operating systems and anti-virus software.

6. Home Grown Cybercriminals. The availability of technology makes it easier for people to become cybercriminals. There are web sites that are designed to instruct people how to commit cyber-crime. People are beginning to form online gangs and are using technology to do what real life gangs do, which is to use violence and intimidation to get money.

To keep yourself safe, makes sure you keep up with updates to the operating system of your devices. Also, verify your security software is update to date. Most importantly, reach out for help if you are unsure on how you can keep safe from these treats.

What cyber threats have you most worried in 2018? Drop me a line and let me know. Thank you for reading. Please share this information with everyone. Check in with Integral on social media at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin , YouTube and Google+ for more tips on helping you get the most out of the technology you use in your home or office.

I'm Burton Kelso and I'm a Kansas City based Tech Expert and the Chief Technology Expert at Integral, providing on-site and remote support for computers, tablets, smartphones, routers, printers, and any device that connects to the internet. I regularly appear as a guest tech correspondent on ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS on shows such as Kansas City Live, Better Kansas City, FOX 4 Morning Show, offering viewers easy tips on technology, Internet lifestyle, Internet security and gadgets. You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn , and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on my YouTube channel. I can be reached at 888-256-0829 or email at burton@integralcomputerconsultants.com