Cybercrime on the Rise: Financial Institutions in Belgium Must Take Action
The Growing Threat of Cybercrime
As the internet plays an increasingly important role in our daily lives, so too do the threats that come with it. Cybercrime, including phishing, malware, hacking, DDoS attacks, and bank card fraud, has become a major concern for individuals and financial institutions alike.
Precautions to Take Before Going Online
To protect yourself from these dangers, experts recommend taking several precautions before going online:
- Installing a good antivirus program and allowing it to scan automatically
- Regular updates for operating systems, programs, and apps
- Backing up data regularly to an external hard drive or the cloud
- Only connecting the hard drive during backup and storing it elsewhere
- Being cautious of phishing scams and learning to recognize fake emails
Protecting Accounts
To protect your accounts, consider the following:
- Using two-step verification whenever possible
- Password managers
- Choosing long passwords (at least 14 characters)
What to Do in Case of a Cyber Attack
If you are a victim of cybercrime, it is essential to notify the police immediately. For solutions to common cyber attacks, visit safeonweb.be. Companies, government agencies, and organizations of vital importance should consult the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium’s website for guidance on how to report an incident or seek help.
The Impact and Probability of Cybercrime in Belgium
Experts assessed the impact and probability of cybercrime in Belgium in 2018. The analysis revealed that:
- Computer crime (hacking for financial gain) poses a moderate impact risk with a very high likelihood of occurrence
- Hacktivism (hacking critical infrastructure out of activist convictions) has a low impact but is very likely to occur
Role of the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB)
The CCB plays a crucial role in:
- Supervising and coordinating the application of the Belgian cybersecurity strategy
- Detecting, observing, and analyzing online security problems
- Managing cyber security incidents and crises on a national level through the national cyber emergency plan
National Response to Cyber Attacks
The National Crisis Center works closely with the CCB and other government partners to protect Belgium’s vital sectors from cyber attacks. This ensures that all stakeholders work together to combat this growing threat.
Remember, it is essential for financial institutions in Belgium to take action against cybercrime by implementing robust security measures and educating their customers about the risks involved. By working together, we can reduce the impact of cybercrime on our daily lives.