New reports show billions of losses from cybercrime; what experts urge you to do to stay safe
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Cybercrime could put your hard-earned money at risk as you surf the web.
According to a report using FBI and FTC data, California lost $3.54 billion to cybercrime in 2023. That works out to just under $90 lost for every Californian.
Cybercrime refers to any crime that takes place online, including cryptocurrency scams, investment fraud, business email compromises, and ransomware attacks.
This comes as the FTC released another report today, showing $12.5 billion lost nationwide to fraud of all types in 2024. That figure represents a 25% jump from 2023.
Local cybersecurity experts in the Coachella Valley say there are ways to protect yourself – and businesses – from losing money to criminals online.
Matt Disher, the President of Southwest Networks, a cybersecurity company in Palm Desert, says there are several ways businesses and consumers can stay safe online:
- Keep frequent backups of important data
- Invest in a good anti-virus software
- Update your devices to get the latest security updates, including your personal computer and network equipment, like routers and modems
- Provide cyber awareness training to employees and ask them to use caution when opening emails, attachments, etc.
When talking about the importance of training employees, Disher says, "One wrong click, one wrong opening of attachment, and unfortunately that business could lose everything."
Disher says he and his clients have been fortunate to not fall victim to any cyber threats, but that it still poses a risk to everyone: "I know there's a lot of money lost in it. Thank goodness for my clients and who I'm working with, we haven't had that issue come up, but it is a huge problem."
