In a world where everything you do is driven through or by technology, it is no surprise that you and your business are susceptible to related attacks and crimes, including cyber attacks.
A cyber attack is a type of crime that is committed against you using a website, personal computer, information system, or network. It can be anything from a hacker stealing personal information to a data breach of customer data to a computer virus that causes havoc to your computer or server.
If you believe you are a victim of a cyber attack, the following tips will help you report it.
Types of Cyber Attacks
Before looking at how to report cyber attacks, it helps to know more about the different types of attacks that can occur. By understanding what cyber attacks are and how they work, it helps you to identify them properly.
A spam attack is one type of cyber attack, which is carried out by spam emails that contain information to try and get you to purchase a product or service. Some spam emails try to get you to click on a link or provide confidential personal information; these are known as phishing.
Other cyber attacks include a hacker attack, which usually attempts to steal personal or financial information. It can involve identity theft. On the other hand, a spyware attack occurs when visiting a website, spyware is installed onto your computer, either to extract data on your computer, change your computer’s configuration, or place advertisements on your web browsing.
Reporting Cyber Attacks
When you report a cyber attack, the place you report it to depends on the type of attack you are dealing with. Here are some things to know about reporting your cyber attacks.
- Spam. If you are a victim of a spam attack where you receive a phishing email, you can simply forward it to The Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@antiphishing.org.
- Hacker and Virus Attacks. If you have virus on your computer or a hacker has stolen your information, report it directly to the FBI.
- Spyware – The FTC has another sector specifically for filing complaints against spyware on your computer called the FTC OnGuard Online.
- Identity Theft. If you have discovered your identity is stolen, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by using the FTC Complaint Assistant.
- Online Fraud – If you were shopping online and either the seller never mailed your products or had a problem with payment or identity information, there are several places to report it. This includes the Internet Crime Complaint Center,Better Business Bureau, and your local attorney general found at the National Association of Attorneys General.
While it is not always possible to avoid cyber attacks, having updated spyware protection, never opening emails you don’t recognize, having a firewall enabled at all times, and using additional security methods, you should also have a cyber liability insurance policy to protect yourself and your business from potential cyber attacks.
