FBI agents address cybercrime

Members and guests of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance learned about cybercrime and strategies to protect themselves against it March 18, at the Polo Grill and Bar’s Fete Ballroom, during a luncheon featuring Federal Bureau of Investigation special agents David Nelson and Tom Baugher.

The pair offered a glimpse into the FBI’s Cybercrime program, as well as current threats on the Internet and mitigation strategies.

“Cybercrime has touched every type of criminal investigation,” Nelson said. “You can do everything right and still be a victim.”

The following are ways to stay secure.

Password protections

Nelson said creating strong, unique passwords is critical for maintaining cyber security. Individuals also should have different passwords for each of their accounts.

Passwords should include at least one capital letter and one number.

A simple suggestion is to pick a phrase, such as “Just do it,” and include a number at the beginning, a capital and changing the “o” to a zero. So, “justdoit” would become “14Justd0it.”

You can change the number each year to modify the password and still remember it easily.

Recommendations

The FBI recommends three things: Keep your computer’s operating system up to date, use a firewall, and use antivirus and anti-spyware regularly.

Those suggestions, however, are out of date, Nelson said.

Now, he says “social engineering” — manipulating people so they give up confidential information, such as passwords and bank information, is prevalent.

Individuals should run patches for their operating systems and take other action, such as using strong, unique passwords, being aware of social networks and contacting financial institutions the moment fraud is suspected. 

WiFi connections

Nelson said to make sure you have a password-protected WiFi connection at home. In one instance off Sarasota Bay, FBI agents raided the home of a man in a waterfront condo who they believed had been involved with child pornography.

However, they discovered a yacht captain in the neighboring harbor had been accessing the man’s open WiFi connection to download the pornographic images.

More tips

For more information on cyber security, visit ftc.gov.