Browse key cybercrime types and focus on the threats that matter most to you.

Filter Cyber Threats:

Email & Internet Fraud

Digital Deception

Definition: Intentional deception for personal gain or to damage another person using email or online platforms. Almost as soon as email became widely used, it started being abused to trick people into sending money or sensitive information.

Prevention Tips

  • Be skeptical of unsolicited emails, especially those requesting money or sensitive details.
  • Verify unusual requests using a separate channel (phone call, official website, etc.).
  • Hover over links before clicking to confirm the real destination URL.
  • Use and regularly update strong spam filters in your email settings.
  • Report suspicious or fraudulent emails to your email provider.

Identity Fraud

Stolen Identity

Definition: The use of another person’s personal information, without authorization, to commit a crime or to deceive or defraud the victim or a third party.

Prevention Tips

  • Protect personal data like your full name, date of birth, and address online.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts.
  • Monitor your bank, mobile money, and online accounts for suspicious activity.
  • Shred or securely destroy sensitive paper documents before disposal.

Phishing Scams

Fake Messages, Real Damage

Definition: A type of social engineering where attackers send fraudulent messages designed to trick people into revealing sensitive information or installing malicious software such as ransomware.

Prevention Tips

  • Do not click on unverified links in emails, SMS, or social media messages.
  • Look for red flags: poor grammar, urgent demands, unfamiliar senders, or strange links.
  • Never share passwords, PINs, or personal information via email.
  • Use security software and anti-phishing tools in your browser and email client.

Cyber Bullying

Online Harassment

Definition: A form of bullying or harassment using electronic means such as social media, messaging apps, or online platforms. It is increasingly common, especially among teenagers, as the digital sphere continues to grow.

Prevention Tips

  • Adjust privacy settings so only trusted people can see and interact with your profile.
  • Do not argue or fight back—block and report cyberbullies instead.
  • Keep records (screenshots, messages) as evidence of cyberbullying.
  • Talk to someone you trust or seek professional support if you’re being bullied online.

Ransomware

Data Held Hostage

Definition: Malicious software that encrypts a victim’s data and demands payment to restore access. Files, databases, or applications become unusable until a ransom is paid.

Prevention Tips

  • Back up important data regularly to secure offline or trusted cloud storage.
  • Keep your operating system and apps updated with the latest security patches.
  • Avoid opening suspicious attachments or links from unknown sources.
  • Use strong, updated antivirus and firewall solutions.

Credit Card Fraud

Financial Theft

Definition: Any theft or fraud involving a credit card, debit card, or virtual card. The aim is to purchase goods without paying, or to steal money from someone’s credit account.

Prevention Tips

  • Use only trusted and encrypted websites for online payments (look for “HTTPS”).
  • Regularly review your card and bank statements for unauthorized charges.
  • Enable SMS or email alerts for all transactions.
  • Never share your card details, CVV, or OTP over phone, email, or chat.

Cyber Extortion

Digital Blackmail

Definition: Online crime where attackers threaten to leak, destroy, or lock your data, website, or systems unless you pay a demanded ransom or meet specific demands.

Prevention Tips

  • Keep all security software and systems updated with the latest patches.
  • Avoid sharing sensitive personal or business information publicly online.
  • Use strong, unique passwords and secure authentication for critical systems.
  • Maintain secure backups of important data so you are less vulnerable to threats.

Password Attack

Account Break-in

Definition: Any method used to maliciously log into password-protected accounts, often using software to guess, crack, or reuse passwords at high speed.

Prevention Tips

  • Use strong passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Enable 2FA (two-factor authentication) wherever possible.
  • Change important passwords regularly, especially after any breach.
  • Do not reuse the same password across multiple accounts.
CYBER CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

Practical, action-based steps you can take today to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime across email, social media, online banking, and everyday digital life.

Email & Internet Fraud

  • Be skeptical of emails from unknown senders or messages that sound “too good to be true”.
  • Verify any request for money or sensitive data via another trusted channel.
  • Hover over links to see the real URL before clicking.
  • Use strong spam filters to reduce fraudulent messages in your inbox.
  • Report suspicious emails to your email provider.

Identity Fraud

  • Limit how much personal information you share on social media and public platforms.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on key accounts like email, banking, and social media.
  • Monitor your bank and online accounts regularly for unusual activity.
  • Shred or securely dispose of documents containing personal details.

Phishing Scams

  • Do not click unverified links in emails, SMS, or DMs.
  • Watch out for red flags: urgent tone, spelling mistakes, or unknown senders.
  • Remember: legitimate organizations rarely ask for passwords or PINs via email.
  • Use browser and email security tools that block known phishing websites.

Cyberbullying

  • Review and tighten your privacy settings on social platforms.
  • Block and report accounts that bully, harass, or threaten you.
  • Keep screenshots and message logs as evidence.
  • Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or professional for support.

Ransomware

  • Back up your important files frequently and store backups safely.
  • Keep systems, apps, and antivirus software fully updated.
  • Avoid opening unknown attachments or links, especially from unexpected emails.
  • Use reputable security solutions with real-time protection.

Credit Card Fraud

  • Only enter card details on secure, “HTTPS” websites with trusted payment gateways.
  • Check your transaction history often for unfamiliar charges.
  • Enable SMS or email alerts for every card transaction.
  • Never share your card number, CVV, or OTP over phone or email.

Cyber Extortion

  • Regularly update operating systems, apps, and security software.
  • Limit the personal and sensitive information you post online.
  • Use strong, unique passwords for admin and critical accounts.
  • Maintain secure backups of key data so you’re not fully dependent on one system.

Password Attacks

  • Create strong passwords using a mix of upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.
  • Change passwords regularly, especially for critical services.
  • Avoid reusing the same password on multiple websites.

By following these prevention tips, you can significantly lower your risk of cybercrime. Stay alert, stay informed, and stay cyber-safe.