The module on ” Cybersecurity awareness: real cases” is being taught by Silvia Barrera Ibáñez. This time she will talk to us about crimes targeting people and their privacy.
Privacy gives certain freedom to our daily lives and involves confidential information that should not be shared. An attack on this information can seriously compromise us (loss of accounts, access to third-party messages, photos and personal information, etc.). In the penal code, this is labeled as the “discovery and disclosure of secrets” and refers to unauthorized access to user accounts (social networks, emails, services…).
Fraudulent SMS and WhatsApp
The National Police warns of the spread of malicious software that is installed on mobile devices and involves the SMS messaging system for the purpose of scamming. It can also arrive by WhatsApp or any other form of messaging. These messages are usually sent by organized gangs.
Banking malware
Affects individuals and companies, mainly those in charge of managing a company’s accounts. Most commonly they are financially motivated. This software exploits vulnerabilities to take control of the victim’s computer, so that the person no longer has control over it (the mouse stops working or does not obey movements, the alleged online banking window stops loading…).
Risky behaviors on social networks
Social networks have suffered and are suffering reputational crises due to the buying and selling of user data, since, in exchange for our use, they obtain our information and benefits, mainly through advertising. It is essential to avoid negligent and risky behavior on networks, such as publishing photos of ID cards, airline tickets or concert tickets, since anyone can make a duplicate and use it in our place.
The complete articles are available on News-365-1 and News-365-2.
To learn more about these crimes, do not miss the opportunity to enroll in C1b3rWall Academy 2021 for free and in the Master in Cybersecurity of the University of Salamanca.
Juan M. Corchado 