E-Crime Awareness

Breaches in security and a lack of awareness are the fundamental causes of E-crime. Many people unwittingly create opportunities for offenders by not keeping up to date with the ever-changing technology on the marketplace.

Sharing personal information, passwords and other data may also lead to serious lapses in security resulting in fraudulent activity.

• Computer security : It's vital to secure your computer and allow password access only. The most important part of the computer is the hard drive, which stores all your data. It's important to develop and implement appropriate system failure procedures, also known as data backup. This can be done easily by transferring your data on to a floppy disk, CD Rom, zip drive or the main server if you have one. Keep the serial numbers of all your computer equipment (separate from the hard drive) in a safe place.
• Data Security : More and more businesses and individuals are taking advantage of computer technology as it becomes more widely available and affordable.

This has led to an increase of unauthorised use of data, such as confidential, personal or sensitive information and theft of data for commercial purposes.

It's important to safeguard your data at all times by ensuring:

• A firewall is installed
• A virus protection programme is installed and regularly updated
• Data files and listings are secured and shredded when they are no longer required
• Security violation reports are reviewed and investigated

Keep reviewing your data security, especially when a staff member leaves or there are staff changes in your organisation. Simple steps you can take include making sure:

• Only password access is allowed
• Only authorised employees are given access to data
• Data access is cancelled promptly when it is no longer required by a staff member or they leave

Poor password security is a major cause of computer fraud. Store your passwords and other personal information on a separate storage device rather than on the computer's hard-drive.

• Don't share identification numbers and passwords
• Change passwords on a regular basis
• Data files and listings are secured and shredded when they are no longer required
• When choosing a password, select a combination of capital letters, lower case and numbers

The use of the Internet for buying and selling goods, banking transactions and purchasing digital (non-tangible) products is increasing.

• Always check your bank account transactions and balances and report discrepancies immediately to your financial institution
• Change passwords on a regular basis
• Don't automatically check boxes before reading the contents of any statement or agreement
• Consider the use of a third party to hold payment in trust until you receive an item purchased via an online auction site

If you have a computer at home, the same security precautions apply as in the workplace. This includes installing virus software, a firewall and allowing password-only access.

Beware of children accessing adult sites, chatrooms or email from dubious sources.

• Keep your computer in a family room so that you can monitor its use
• Avoid opening unsolicited emails - they may contain viruses! Delete them immediately and do not respond to the inquirer.
• Do not automatically divulge personal information to anyone who has solicited contact with you, without checking their credentials.

Be alert to the methods used by offenders to commit E crime and report any suspicious or fraudulent activity to the police immediately.

Did you know that by keeping original, offensive, menacing or harassing emails can help Jammu & Kashmir Police track down the offender.