Cybercrime is any crime that takes place online or primarily online. Cyberc­rim­inals often commit crimes by targeting computer networks or devices. Cybercrime can range from security breaches to identity theft.

Other cyberc­rimes include things like “revenge porn,” cyber-­sta­lking, harass­ment, bullying, and child sexual exploi­tation.

Terrorists collab­orate on the internet, moving terrorist activities and crimes into cybers­pace.

it’s a good idea to know how to recognize cyberc­rime, which can be the first step to helping protect yourself and your data. Taking some basic precau­tions and knowing who to contact when you see others engaged in criminal activities online are also important steps.

For instance, Norton Security provides real-time protection against existing and emerging malware including ransomware and viruses, and helps protect your private and financial inform­ation when you go online.

Don’t repeat your passwords on different sites, and change your passwords regularly. Make them complex. That means using a combin­ation of at least 10 letters, numbers, and symbols. A password management applic­ation can help you to keep your passwords locked down

This is especially important with your operating systems and internet security software. Cyberc­rim­inals frequently use known exploits, or flaws, in your software to gain access to your system. Patching those exploits and flaws can make it less likely that you’ll become a cybercrime target.

Keep your personal and private inform­ation locked down. Social engine­ering cyberc­rim­inals can often get your personal inform­ation with just a few data points, so the less you share publicly, the better. For instance, if you post your pet’s name or reveal your mother’s maiden name, you might expose the answers to two common security questions.

It’s a good idea to start with a strong encryption password as well as a virtual private network. A VPN will encrypt all traffic leaving your devices until it arrives at its destin­ation. If cyberc­rim­inals do manage to hack your commun­ication line, they won’t intercept anything but encrypted data. It’s a good idea to use a VPN whenever you a public Wi-Fi network, whether it’s in a library, café, hotel, or airport.

You can teach your kids about acceptable use of the internet without shutting down commun­ication channels. Make sure they know that they can come to you if they’re experi­encing any kind of online harass­ment, stalking, or bullying.

If you do business with a merchant or have an account on a website that’s been impacted by a security breach, find out what inform­ation the hackers accessed and change your password immedi­ately.

Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully obtains your personal data in a way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. How? You might be tricked into giving personal inform­ation over the internet, for instance, or a thief might steal your mail to access account inform­ation. That’s why it’s important to guard your personal data. A VPN — short for virtual private network — can also help to protect the data you send and receive online, especially when accessing the internet on public Wi-Fi.

It’s smart to know how to protect your identity even when traveling. There are a lot of things you can do to help keep criminals from getting your private inform­ation on the road. These include keeping your travel plans off social media and being using a VPN when accessing the internet over your hotel’s Wi-Fi network.

Just like you’ll want to talk to your kids about the internet, you’ll also want to help protect them against identity theft. Identity thieves often target children because their Social Security number and credit histories frequently represent a clean slate. You can help guard against identity theft by being careful when sharing your child’s personal inform­ation. It’s also smart to know what to look for that might suggest your child’s identity has been compro­mised.