TTPS: Beware Christmas cyber crime attacks

Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are now accessing the internet in a variety of ways to undertake an increasingly complex range of transactions.

As the number of people using mobile phones, Wi-Fi, computer game consoles and other devices to access the internet continues to grow, the need for better cyber security across these devices becomes increasingly important.

The TT Police Service (TTPS) in a media release stated it has observed the fast rate of technological advancement, coupled with an increase in technology based nefarious activities. The TTPS is therefore encouraging the public to follow simple steps to remain safe whilst using the internet. Some simple tips to help you improve your online security include:- Install security software on your devices and update them regularly; turn on automatic updates so that all your software receives the latest fixes; use strong alphanumeric passwords for your online accounts and change them at least three times a year; verify online links and email attachments before clicking on them; stop and think before sharing any personal or financial information __ about yourself, your friends or family and know what your children are doing online.

Make sure they know how to stay safe and encourage them to report anything suspicious.

The TTPS release continued by saying that some tips to make online purchases in a safe and secure manner include stick to trusted brands that have a strong reputation; use credit cards and other secure payment services instead of debit cards; look out for “https URL” and padlock symbol before entering your credit card information; be wary of dodgy online offers that are too good to be true; opt for your mobile phone network over public Wi-Fi when making online purchases.

In terms of recent cases where criminal charges resulted based on support provided by the Cyber Crime Unit to investigators, the TTPS pointed to a man charged with sexual grooming of a child (via WhatsApp); apprehension of three (3) homicide suspects as a result of call data analysis; the apprehension of an International Identity Fraud and Credit Card Fraud suspect; testimony of TTPS Cyber Crime Unit personnel resulted in a conviction for the offence of Credit Card Skimming. (A Costa Rican national was sentenced to two years imprisonment).