How Bad is Cybercrime and How Can I Help Fight It?

There's a good chance you've heard a story in the news recently about cybercrime. The fact is, cyber criminals are getting more sophisticated in their methods. It's wise to educate yourself and understand the practices they are using to thwart cyber security experts.

Understanding cybercrime is essential to combating it; the deluge of news reports about hacks can make the situation seem apocalyptic. Understanding the problem is the first step to solving it. You might think that it takes a genius to outwit a hacker, but the truth is that your average citizen with proper education and training can help make a difference in the devastation done by cyber criminals.

How bad is cybercrime? What sort of damage does it cause?

Cybercrime is a real problem, one whose costs can be calculated. According to CNBC, cybercrime cost businesses $450 billion in 2016. According to Forbes Magazine, the cost of cybercrime might exceed $2 trillion by 2019.

Medical records are among the top targets for thieves. According to Reuters, medical records are worth up to ten times more than credit card numbers on international black markets. Criminals can use falsified medical records to acquire controlled substances to resell on black markets, and stolen medical records can often be used for years without being detected.

Another form of cybercrime has been on the rise for some years: ransomware. Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts and locks a victim's files, preventing them from gaining access. Then a cyber criminal demands payment to unlock the files. Cyber criminals can spread ransomware en masse through old-fashioned malware distribution methods, such as email or through locating vulnerabilities in a network.

A recent ransomware attack affected millions in hospitals around the world, as doctors were hampered in their ability to treat patients when their computers were locked down. For patients needing emergency care, this was devastating.

Why is cybercrime such a problem? Don't we have the tools to fight it?

While the tools to fight cybercrime exist, many companies simply haven't taken advantage of them yet. A 2017 survey of 3,000 companies around the world found that 53% of those surveyed were ill-prepared for a cyber attack, and that just 30% achieved an "expert" rating in cyber security. A 2016 report found that healthcare providers spend just 6% of their budgets on IT security, less than half of what most businesses spend.

How can I help?

Anyone, no matter their initial level of knowledge, can learn the skills necessary to become a cybersecurity expert. Even if you have never once written a line of code, it's never too late to begin your journey in cyber security. It's never been more crucial in our history.

Are you fascinated by the world of cyber security? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security - Cybersecurity Track, ECPI University offers this degree both on campus and online. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.

For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.