Grim warning as cyber-crime continues to rise
<p>Barely a day seems to pass without hearing about a <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/2017/03/accc-warns-fake-online-stores-are-targeting-shoppers/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>brand-new internet scam</strong></span></a> lurking in our inboxes, and if a recent report from online security company Symantec is anything to go by, the threat of cyber-crime is only going to get worse.</p>
<p>The Symantec Annual Threat Report highlighted both the<a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2017/04/accc-warns-about-new-internet-scam/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong> growing number of instances of cybercrime</strong></span></a> and the increasing sophistication of the scams. </p>
<p>Symantec security expert Nick Savvides said email attacks were at their highest level in five years, with one in every 121 emails expected to contain a malicious link or attachment.</p>
<p>Mr Savvides told <a href="http://www.News.com.au" target="_blank"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>News.com.au</strong></span></em></a>, “The cyber-criminals wouldn’t use this method if it wasn’t successful and they are always improving the content of their emails to make them very convincing.</p>
<p>“For example, while many people have learned that the federal police will never send you a speeding fine by email, pretty much every Australian is buying goods online, so the fake invoice, fake delivery docket or parcel pick up emails can be very convincing.”</p>
<p>So how do we avoid these common internet scams? Well, Symantec have offered a few tips to help keep your computer clear of any malicious online viruses.</p>
<ol>
<li>Change the default passwords on your devices and services.</li>
<li>Keep your operating system and software up to date.</li>
<li>Be extra careful on email.</li>
<li>Back up your files.</li>
</ol>
<p>Have you ever fallen victim to cyber-crime? If so, how did you cope?</p>
