From the governor to New Yorkers visiting an ATM, this week’s cybercrime arrests are amping up cybersecurity efforts.
After several were charged in a $45 million ATM heist,Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer released a report today about cybercrime, cautioning New Yorkers to be more careful, even during routine ATM withdrawals.
The report offers consumer tips on avoiding identity theft as well as suggestions on how to toughen laws.
“The stunning scope of this crime is a sobering wake-up call for New Yorkers, from the highest levels of the financial community to millions of citizens who need to feel secure when they use ATM machines,” Stringer said.
Today, Gov. Andrew Cuomo also announced a new Cyber Security Advisory Board, which will advise state officials on how to protect state infrastructure and information systems.
Cuomo also noted this week’s arrests.
“The need to increase cyber security to guard against these threats is urgent,” he said. “In the 21st century, almost all of our daily activities are linked to the internet – from banking to shopping to using our telecommunications networks and physical infrastructure systems.”
How to protect yourself against cybercrime:
- Always use your other hand to shield your hand typing in your PIN at an ATM.
- When you can’t see your credit card, for example at a hotel or restaurant, always use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit card companies have stronger protections against fraud, Stringer said.
- Keep a firewall on your home computer to protect from hackers.
- Never open an email attachment from someone you don’t know or even forwarded attachments from people you do know.
