Let’s face it: digital interactions shape our lives. Unfortunately, this means the threat of cybercrime looms larger than ever before. From online shopping and social media to remote work and digital banking, our personal information continually circulates through cyberspace.
As we navigate the web, we often overlook the digital footprints we leave behind, which can be easy pickings for cybercriminals. Whether through a simple email scam or a sophisticated security breach, the consequences of such crimes can be devastating, affecting our finances, personal safety, and privacy.
At Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, we understand the anxiety and confusion accompanying such incidents. Protecting yourself from cybercrime is vital, and knowledge is the best way to defend your personal data.
But what are cyber crimes? And how can you protect yourself? In this article, our Camden criminal defense lawyers explore:
- The current state of cybercrime in South Carolina
- Common types of cybercrime in South Carolina
- How to recognize the signs of cybercrime
- Steps to take if you suspect you are a victim of cybercrime
- Legal protections and resources for cybercrime victims in South Carolina
- How to protect yourself from cybercrime
The Growing Threat of Cyber Crime in South Carolina
South Carolina has witnessed a significant escalation in cybercrime in recent years, reflecting a broader national and global trend. This surge is fueled by the increasing reliance on digital technologies in both personal and professional spheres. Cybercriminals continually refine their tactics and exploit vulnerabilities, leading to heightened concerns about the security of sensitive information.
The ongoing global shift towards remote work has only amplified these risks. Many residents find themselves using personal devices for professional purposes, often without adequate security measures in place. This shift has opened new avenues for cyber attackers to exploit, making it essential for individuals and organizations to prioritize cyber security now more than ever.
The state government and local agencies have reported multiple incidents where personal data was compromised. This highlights the challenge of preventing cybercrime and protecting digital infrastructures against sophisticated cyber threats.
Common Types of Cyber Crime Targeting South Carolina Residents
Cybercriminals employ a variety of tactics to exploit their victims. Here are some of the most prevalent types of cyber crimes targeting South Carolina residents:
First are phishing scams. These involve fraudulent emails or messages that mimic legitimate institutions to deceive recipients into providing sensitive data like passwords, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers. Phishing targets personal information and can lead to identity theft.
There is identity theft. In identity theft, cybercriminals use stolen personal information to commit fraud, such as making purchases, opening new accounts, and obtaining loans. These are all done under the victim’s name.
Ransomware attacks are another common type of cybercrime. These occur when malware encrypts a victim’s data, locking them out of their files or systems. The attackers then demand a ransom to restore their access.
Financial fraud is a broad category of cybercrime that includes unauthorized bank transactions, credit card fraud, and manipulation of financial data. In financial fraud, cybercriminals may gain access to accounts through malware or exploit security vulnerabilities in financial systems.
Finally, someone can experience data breaches. Large-scale data breaches involve unauthorized access to corporate or personal data storage. This can affect thousands of individuals, compromising their personal information.
Recognizing the Signs of Cyber Crime
Cybercrime can often be subtle and hard to detect until significant damage has been done.
However, knowing what signs to look for can help you identify and prevent cybercrime. Here are common signs:
- Unexpected Account Activity: Unusual or unauthorized transactions on your bank statements or changes in your online accounts could indicate that your account information has been compromised.
- Suspicious Communications: Phishing attempts often come in emails, texts, or phone calls that try to trick you into providing personal information. They might appear legitimate, mimicking real companies or contacts, but often have slight discrepancies in email addresses or URLs.
- Pop-ups and Redirects: Excessive pop-ups or being redirected to other websites when browsing can be a sign of malware or adware that has been unknowingly installed on your device.
- Ransomware Messages: If you encounter a screen that demands payment to unlock your device or access your files, it is a clear sign of a ransomware attack. This malware encrypts your files, making them inaccessible until the ransom is paid.
- Security Alerts From Your Account: Receiving security alerts about attempts to access your accounts from unknown devices or locations indicates that someone may be trying to gain unauthorized access.
Steps To Take if You Suspect You Are a Victim of Cyber Crime
Do you suspect you are a victim of cybercrime but you’re unsure of what to do next? Here is step-by-step guidance on the actions to take.
1. Secure Your Accounts
Change your passwords immediately for all online accounts, especially those you suspect may have been compromised. Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts that offer it, adding an extra layer of security beyond a password.
2. Contact Your Financial Institutions
Notify your bank and credit card issuers about any unauthorized transactions or suspicious actions. Request them to monitor your accounts for any unusual transactions and consider placing a temporary hold on affected accounts.
3. Report to Law Enforcement
File a report with your local police department. Provide as much detail as possible about the incident and any evidence you have. This report can be crucial for an investigation and may be needed when dealing with financial institutions or credit agencies.
4. Update Your Security Measures
Review and update your devices’ security settings, antivirus software, and firewall protections. Ensure all software and applications are updated with the latest security patches.
5. Document Everything
Keep a file of all communications related to the cyber incident, including copies of:
- Emails
- Reports
- Correspondence with agencies
This documentation can be vital for resolving disputes related to fraudulent transactions or identity theft.
6. Seek Legal Advice
If the cybercrime involves significant financial loss or personal harm, contact a criminal defense lawyer. They can provide legal guidance on protecting your rights and pursuing legal remedies.
Legal Protections and Resources for Cyber Crime Victims in South Carolina
Let’s break down the main legal protections and resources available to combat cybercrime in South Carolina:
- Notification Requirement: South Carolina law requires businesses and government agencies to notify residents when their personal information is breached. This timely notification allows individuals to take swift action to protect themselves from further damage.
- Identity Theft Rights: Victims of identity theft have the right to place a fraud alert on their credit reports and are entitled to credit freezes. This helps prevent new fraudulent accounts from being opened in their name.
- Local Law Enforcement Cyber Units: Police departments have specialized units focused on cyber crimes. These units are equipped to investigate crimes like hacking, phishing, and other computer-related offenses.
- Federal Resources: Victims of cybercrime can also access resources provided by federal agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The FTC offers a recovery plan for identity theft victims, while CISA provides tips and best practices for protecting personal and business data.
- South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs: This department offers resources and guidance for cybercrime victims, including information on responding to identity theft and fraud. They provide tools for protecting personal information and assistance in resolving consumer disputes related to cyber fraud.
How To Protect Yourself from Cyber Crime: Safeguarding Your Personal Information Online
To protect yourself against cybercrime, there are various effective strategies you can take that will protect your digital privacy and security.
First, ensure you use strong and unique passwords for each online account. Avoid common words and phrases and include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
Also, enable two-factor identification (2FA). Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. It involves not only adding a username and password but also something only the user has on them to approve authentication requests; this could be a physical token or a mobile phone app.
Furthermore, be wary of phishing attacks. Learn to recognize phishing emails or messages that try to trick you into giving away personal information like passwords, credit card details, or Social Security numbers. Also, be cautious with emails or messages that:
- Request urgent action
- Contain unexpected attachments
- Lead to unfamiliar websites
Finally, use antivirus software. Install and maintain reputable antivirus software to detect and prevent threats from malware. Regular scans can help ensure your system is free from malware that could steal personal data.
Contact Our Experienced Camden Criminal Defense Lawyers
As our digital landscape continues to evolve, it brings advantages and risks. At Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, we understand the anxiety and disruption that cyber threats can pose.
Our criminal defense lawyers bring more than legal expertise. With a proud heritage of over 97 years, our firm has been a cornerstone in serving individuals, community businesses, and local governments throughout South Carolina. Our attorneys, some of whom have held significant government and judicial positions and are active Rotarians, are committed to service.
As a small-town firm capable of tackling complex cases, Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, combines generational service with comprehensive legal expertise. So, if you’re facing issues related to cybercrime, we have the resources and experience to support you. Contact us at 803-432-4391 to request a consultation.