Cybercriminals pose a formidable and pervasive threat, casting a long shadow over online banking and consumer bank accounts. These malicious actors deploy a plethora of sophisticated techniques, ranging from hacking and phishing to spamming, card theft, online fraud, vishing, and keylogging, to exploit unsuspecting individuals and gain unauthorized access to their financial resources.
Simon Campbell-Young, co-founder of Digimune, an authorized Norton distributor in South Africa, underscores the critical importance of empowering consumers with the right tools to safeguard their assets and personal information.
“You need to see yourself as a human firewall,” he advises. “By remaining vigilant about cyber-threats and harnessing intelligent solutions that offer automated protection, you can construct an impenetrable barrier against the ever-evolving landscape of attacks.”
Indeed, cyberattacks are rampant and continually evolving. Research conducted by PwC reveals that criminals constantly discover new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in online security. One such innovation is the web skimmer, which has gained prominence in recent years. This includes a form of attack known as “formjacking,” where hackers seize control of virtual forms on websites. This technique enables cybercriminals to capture the payment details provided by consumers instead of the online store. No website is immune to this risk.
“To effectively protect yourself, it’s crucial to comprehend the threats out there and how to defend against them,” Campbell-Young emphasizes. “Your first step is to maintain vigilance by asking yourself questions like: Is this website URL correct? Does this form appear different? Have I configured my antivirus to scrutinize my online activity? With new viruses emerging on the internet daily, it’s imperative to ask these questions before making online purchases or entering your bank details anywhere.”
According to Statista, there were 5.5 billion malware attacks worldwide in 2022, surpassing the previous year’s figures. The AV-Test Institute discovered over one billion malware programs installed globally, with a staggering 560,000 new malware strains being identified daily. Given the sheer volume of attacks and threats, consumers cannot keep pace on their own; hence, they must invest in protective software.
“You require a platform that continuously monitors your systems, remains current with the latest viruses, and implements all necessary updates,” Campbell-Young advises. “It should possess a robust engine that handles the fundamentals and ensures you have the right layers of security in place. Whether you’re working from home, conducting mobile banking, or traveling, you need a secure VPN that allows you to browse the web with peace of mind.”
Navigating this complex landscape can be daunting, but this shouldn’t deter people from engaging in online banking or utilizing digital solutions. Norton offers protections meticulously crafted to monitor online activity and identify potential scams, phishing attempts, and identity manipulation tactics. These tools safeguard your digital assets across various devices and platforms, constantly updating and adapting to evolving threats to provide real-time protection.
“Cybersecurity protections have evolved significantly. They no longer safeguard just your devices but also shield you from the omnipresent dangers lurking on the web,” Campbell-Young concludes. “These protections are like invaluable allies, tirelessly working to keep you safe from online threats. Investing in them is paramount because they guarantee your online security, no matter your internet activities.”
