Identity theft, cyberbullying, and other computer crimes are at an all-time high. Never before have so many run the risk of becoming the next victim. A cybersecurity crime can occur at any time of the day or night on anyone’s Internet system by an unknown person, whether it be within a company, by someone on the other side of the world, or even by a family member. vengeful.

Recently, several Hollywood celebrities have had their cell phones hacked. Your personal information, photos, text messages, and emails were compromised. Last year several banks, insurance companies and government offices as high as the Pentagon were hacked. Important information was stolen.

According to John Jorgensen, chief executive of the Sylint Group, hackers have made Florida, where several hundred thousand seniors have retired, the second-highest state in cybercrime. The theft of trade secrets has increased by 100% annually, and 80% of this cybercrime is perpetrated from within the company. Trojan horses and computer worms infect systems and steal personal and company information.

If you are reading this, your unprotected computer is at risk; 70% of all stolen laptops are stolen for their data value, not their physical value, and 68% of wireless networks are unsecured. Identity theft accounts for less than 20% of all cybercrime. Do you think you can find the perpetrator and sue him? Think again. Only about 7% of cybercrimes are prosecuted and law enforcement cannot protect you.

The whole month of October is National Cyber ​​Security Awareness Month. Sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the National Cyber ​​Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), the goal is to raise awareness about the growing dangers of cybercrime, not not just to our national government organizations, banks, and other major American corporations, but to every individual Internet user.

This year’s theme is “Our Shared Responsibility” and is intended to reflect how interconnected we are with everyone in our modern and highly technical world. Although the government’s goal is to foster hundreds of forums on the issues in schools, colleges, universities, and businesses across the country, each of us can do our part, whether within our family unit or even in a neighborhood forum at through a shared dinner or barbecue.

Do not think that you are not at risk! If you use a home PC, laptop, iPad or iPhone or any other equipment that connects you to cyberspace, your files can be hacked. If you use free wireless connections in hotels, Starbucks, or any other gathering place, you are at serious risk. Your system can be easily hacked, your identity can be stolen, and your financial information collected and sold to criminals all over the world. You can become a victim of cyberbullying. Coins used by government and military officials and private detectives are also used by cybercriminals. Make it your goal right now, today, to learn all you can about how to protect yourself and your family members. Discuss the problems with your children of all ages. Learn about password protection, encryption, proper file deletion, antivirus and antispyware software, social media safety, and many other vitally important security measures. Go to the following government website at this URL and spend an hour arming yourself with knowledge. Knowledge is empowerment. Take charge of your personal and business use of cyberspace.

Remember… this is “Our Shared Responsibility.”

Here are some simple things you can do to practice cybersecurity during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and throughout the year:

• Download tip sheets on how to stay safe in a variety of online settings: on social networking sites, on gaming sites, on your mobile device, and distribute them within your community.
• Add a signature block to your email: “October is National Cyber ​​Safety Awareness Month. Stay safe online! Visit www.staysafeonline.org for the latest cyber safety tips.”