As cybercriminals evolve their tactics constantly, awareness and good cyber hygiene are our best first line of defence. While there are many layers to online protection, recognizing potential threats and making informed decisions are crucial first steps to reducing your exposure to cyber risks. On this page, you can learn more about some of the most prevalent forms of cybercrime and find practical advice on how to stay safe online.
As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, the benefits of online connectivity are undeniable, but so too are the risks. Cybercrime poses a significant threat to individuals and society, exploiting vulnerabilities in our online activities, from social media and banking to shopping and more.
Through regular campaigns, INTERPOL seeks to inform the public about the most prevalent forms of cybercrime and offer practical advice on how to stay safe online.
Cybercrime can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
The #ThinkTwice campaign shines a light on the growing threat of transnational organized cybercrime, focusing on five rising online threats:
• Ransomware attacks
• Malware attacks
• Scams and generative AI
• Phishing in the digital age
• Romance baiting
The campaign's objective is to empower you to make informed and careful choices online, reducing the risks associated with the most common online threats.
To reduce risks, keep these tips in mind:
• make considered and rational choices, especially when dealing with unsolicited, unfamiliar, or suspicious links, emails, or messages.
• pause to evaluate the authenticity and credibility of digital content before taking action.
• verify identities through multiple channels and be cautious of requests, even from 'familiar' faces.
• implement a cybersecurity culture in the workplace and provide guidance on issues and incidents for employees.
• be cautious when forming online relationships, especially when money is involved.
• stay informed on the increasingly advanced tactics used in cyber-enabled financial crimes, making detection significantly more challenging.
Follow the campaign on our social media from 3rd to 19th December 2024