Networks of computers infected by malware and controlled remotely by cybercriminals, usually for financial gain or to launch attacks on websites or networks. Many botnets are designed to harvest data, such as passwords, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and other personal information.

Clicking on links in emails is often how cybercriminals get access to personal information. If an email looks weird, even if you know the person who sent it, it’s best to delete or, if appropriate, mark it as “junk email.” You could try to contact the company directly (via phone) to be sure the email […]

A type of malware that replicates itself over and over within a computer. Most cybercrime starts with malware. Cybercriminals use it to access your computer or mobile device to steal your personal information like your Social Security number, passwords, credit card information, or bank account information, to commit fraud. Once cybercriminals have your personal information, […]

A type of malware that infects a computer and restricts access to it until a ransom is paid by the user to unlock it. Even when a victim pays the ransom amount, the stolen files could remain locked or be deleted by the cybercriminal.

Online commerce has become a hugely popular enterprise. The convenience and deals people can find via the internet simply cannot be paralleled in a brick-and-mortar store. In fact, on Black Friday and Thanksgiving alone in 2015, consumers spent an incredible $4.45 billion through online shopping, according to Adobe. However, this popularity hasn’t gone unnoticed within […]