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21/11/2018
Northern Ireland: A Hotspot For Cyber Crime
Northern Ireland is the riskiest area of the UK with regards to cybersecurity, new research has claimed.
ESET, a firm that specialises in online security, found that 29% of people in the region have had a social media or email account hacked.
The research also suggested that people here are more likely to use bank PIN numbers or birthday dates as passwords, and discovered that over half of internet users in the UK have clicked on a link in a spam email.
Cybersecurity expert for ESET, Jake Moore, said users need a greater awareness of how best to interact online.
"Email scams are only growing in frequency and it is becoming much harder to spot the good from the bad as criminals become more sophisticated in their art of deception," he said.
"My advice? Never click on or download anything from someone who you aren't expecting something from and always look at the sender's email address. If a company emails to say they have locked you out of your account, ask yourself why they would before clicking through in a fit of panic."
Mr Moore also warned against over-sharing on social media, given the number of online friends people have which they have not actually met in real life.
(JG/MH)
ESET, a firm that specialises in online security, found that 29% of people in the region have had a social media or email account hacked.
The research also suggested that people here are more likely to use bank PIN numbers or birthday dates as passwords, and discovered that over half of internet users in the UK have clicked on a link in a spam email.
Cybersecurity expert for ESET, Jake Moore, said users need a greater awareness of how best to interact online.
"Email scams are only growing in frequency and it is becoming much harder to spot the good from the bad as criminals become more sophisticated in their art of deception," he said.
"My advice? Never click on or download anything from someone who you aren't expecting something from and always look at the sender's email address. If a company emails to say they have locked you out of your account, ask yourself why they would before clicking through in a fit of panic."
Mr Moore also warned against over-sharing on social media, given the number of online friends people have which they have not actually met in real life.
(JG/MH)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
