Granny Smith - Cybercrime for beginners

Granny Smith has found a lucrative side job and is happy to share her knowledge with you. In her brand new vlog series "Cybercrime for Beginners," she explains how it works. From finding a target, sending phishing mail to making sure you get away safely. A new vlog from #grannysmith85 will be added every week.

In her last vlog, Granny Smith explains how to cover your tracks to get away with the loot.

You can stop cybercriminals in their track with these steps:

  • Do you think you are a victim of cybercrime? Or do you suspect something is wrong? Report it as soon as possible! At an early stage, the damage can still be limited.
  • Cybercrime can happen to anyone. Talk about it with your institution, colleagues, friends and family. This way you help prevent similar incidents in the future.
  • Are you personally a victim of cybercrime? Report it to the police.

Granny Smith is going all in with a ransomware attack. With special malware, she holds all data hostage and can demand a hefty ransom.

Think you may be a victim of a ransomware attack? If so, take the following steps:

  • Report an infection to your institution as soon as possible.
  • Disconnect from the Internet: disconnect the IP cable, and turn off wi-fi on your device. This will prevent further spread.
  • Leave your device on. An expert may still be able to stop the process while it is still incomplete.

Are you personally a victim of ransomware?

  • Do not pay a ransom. By doing so, you reward the hackers and keep their revenue model alive. Even if you pay a ransom, you are not sure you will get your files back, and the criminals still have access to your computer.
  • File a police report.
  • A computer expert may be able to decrypt the files. At nomoreransom.org there are tools to recover files.

Now that we found Mr. Right it's time to take action! Granny Smith shows you how to write enticing fake emails to lure your victim.

Stay one step ahead and recognize fake email with these tips:

  • Be careful when opening e-mails and e-mail attachments.
  • Is an (unknown) sender offering you something that is too good to be true? Then it's probably a scammer. Don't act on it.
  • If a trusted or well-known agency asks for personal information, they never do so through a link in an e-mail. Go to the agency's website yourself by typing the URL into your browser.
  • In a conversation, do you feel pressured, get a restless feeling from the message, or are you stressed by it? Take a moment to think calmly or consult with a colleague or fellow student about what they would do.
  • Does an acquaintance or an authority ask for something unusual or abnormal? Be alert, chances are it's phishing!
  • Did you click on an email but you suspect it was a fraud? Report it to your institution as soon as possible.

What can Granny Smith find out about you online?

Hackers love all the information available on the Internet! With these tips, you can make it difficult for them:

  • Data on the Internet or social media is difficult to delete. Think carefully if you really want to share this post with the whole world.
  • Be careful about sharing personal information. For example your address, street signs, the location of your school, doctor or home address.
  • Turn off the location feature on your phone: otherwise your photos will contain information about where you were at the time.
  • Never post a photo of an official document such as a driver's license or passport on social media.
  • Regularly check your privacy settings of social media apps.
  • Be careful when accepting friend requests. Fake accounts will try to access your data or your friends' data to gather information about their target.