Cyber Crimes & Identity Theft

Cyber crime and identity theft are the risk that your personal and financial data is stolen and used against you. Threat actors, commonly called hackers, hunt every day for weaknesses in the apps, systems and databases that hold your information. Hackers are not the only danger. Predators use the internet to stalk young and old alike through online catfishing. Fraud also happens offline, at a convenience store, a restaurant table or on a phone call. Our guides cover identity theft protection and the habits that keep your family's data safe.

Cyber Crime and Identity Theft: The Risk to Your Family

Identity theft happens when criminals steal personal information, such as bank account details or Social Security numbers, and use it in your name. They can open accounts, make purchases and take out loans. That can leave you with damaged credit and a long recovery. The cyber crime threat also carries an emotional cost. Victims spend hours with banks, credit bureaus and law enforcement to set things right. Stolen identities also fuel tax fraud and healthcare fraud, so the cost reaches businesses, governments and taxpayers too.

Who It Matters To

It matters to every family with a bank card, a phone or an email address. Children and older relatives are frequent targets. A single weak account can open the door to the rest. The good news is that a few steady habits put you back in control.

Guides to Read

• Accounts: Learn how multi-factor authentication works, and weigh the pros and cons of a password manager.
• Scams: Spot phishing emails and texts, and see how online catfishing targets people who share too much.
• Privacy: Find out how to avoid being tracked online, and practice safe online communication with family and friends.
• Recovery: Build a plan for identity theft protection before and after a breach.
• Bigger picture: Understand industrial cyber attacks on power, water and fuel systems, and sharpen your skill at identifying misinformation and propaganda.