#Cybercrime - five tech support scam mitigation tips

Also known as remote access scams, the criminal aims to convince their potential target that their computer has malware. Once they gain traciton with this story, the criminal then tells the target that they need to download remote access software so the computer can be fixed. These scams may be via cold calling, web site pop-ups or even via scam emails.

1.  Remember that telecommunications and computer companies do not proactively call people unsolicited to tell them there is malware on their computers.

2.  Do not give remote access of your computer to anyone unless you can confirm the request is legitimate and from a genuine technical support company that you do business with.

3.    Do not believe pop-ups that state your computer has malware and suggest you call a number or download and run software to repair it.

4. If you have already been scammed delete any software they asked you to install, change your passwords, call your financial institutions to cancel any credit card that may have been provided to the scammer and to attempt to claim back any money that has been scammed.

5. Share Tech Support scam information with others.

These points and more are included in Unmasking the Hacker.

#Cybercrime - Five points to consider

1. Anyone can fall victim to cybercrime. None of us are immune. Never believe yourselves to be above being scammed, as criminals can exploit that false sense of security.

2. Cybercrime is more than scams and malware, it also encompasses other cyber enabled criminal activities such as child exploitation.

3. Stay aware and share your knowledge of cybercrime, malware, scams, and other cyber enabled criminal activity to support others to also be vigilant.

4. The victims of cybercrime are not at fault, the criminals are. Let's change the narrative & stop victim blaming.

5. Collaborate to harden our communities against cybercrime.