Police issue advice on prevention of cybercrime
Police have reminded members of the public to take preventive measures to avoid falling victim to cybercrime.
With October designated as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Bermuda Police Service issued the warning and advice.
Cybercrime encompasses a wide range of illegal activities conducted through the internet or other computer networks and can be broadly categorised into several types.
Hacking
Unauthorised access to computer systems, often leading to data breaches that compromise sensitive information such as personal details, financial records and corporate secrets
Phishing
Deceptive attempts to acquire sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity, typically through e-mails or fake websites, which may result in identity theft and financial loss
Malware
Malicious software, including viruses, worms and ransomware that disrupts normal operations, damages systems or encrypts data for ransom, leading to significant financial costs and operational downtime
Denial of service attacks
Overloading a network or website to render it unavailable, causing disruptions for businesses and users alike and potentially leading to substantial revenue losses
Cyberstalking and harassment
Using technology to stalk or harass individuals, which can have severe psychological impacts on victims and contribute to a climate of fear
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith, of the BPS Specialist Crime Unit, said: “The BPS are in the process of establishing a cybersecurity unit. This unit is being formed to address the rising number of cyber-related crimes reported. The impact of cybercrime is profound, affecting individuals, businesses and governments.
“From a local financial perspective, it has resulted in millions of dollars in losses, not only from direct theft but also from recovery efforts and increased security measures. It undermines trust in digital systems, stifles innovation and poses significant risk to national security.
“As our reliance on technology continues to grow, the importance of robust security measures and public awareness becomes paramount in mitigating the risks associated with cybercrime.”
Suspicious e-mails, SMS or WhatsApp messages
• Look out for unexpected messages asking for personal or financial information
• Phishing e-mails often have poor spelling, odd greetings or strange e-mail addresses/telephone numbers
Urgency or threats
• Scammers may say things like "Your account will be locked" or "Act now to avoid charges!"
• Be cautious of messages that make you feel rushed or anxious
Unknown links and attachments
• Do not click on unfamiliar links or open attachments from people you do not know
• Always verify the sender before clicking
Too-good-to-be-true offers
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Unsolicited or random offers for free gifts or large sums of money are often phishing attempts
The BPS shared tips on how to protect yourself online.
They advised never to share passwords, especially through e-mail or text, and when shopping or banking online, to ensure that the website address starts with “https” and has a padlock icon in the address bar.
They said phones, computers and apps should be updated to protect against security threats, and two-factor authentication should be used, adding an extra layer of security to accounts by requiring a code from the phone or e-mail.
The BPS said that to check whether e-mail has been breached, people should visit the website haveibeenpwned.com.
They said if people suspect that they have been targeted or have become victims of cybercrime, they should not panic, and if they have shared personal information with a suspected bad actor, they should change their passwords.
Finally, people should report all cybercrime. The BPS said: “Let your bank or e-mail provider know. They can help protect your accounts.
“Report it to the BPS by sending an e-mail at portal.police.bm
“Run a virus scan.
“If you clicked a suspicious link, use antivirus software to scan your device.”
• For more information or assistance, visit portal.police.bm
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