With the rise of online activities such as shopping, banking, and socializing, individuals and organizations are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, the researchers from Coin Journal looked into the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center in order to find out which states* had the highest number of cyber crime victims.
1. Nevada
Nevada reported 9,090 cybercrime victims, translating to 286 victims per 100,000 population.
2. Delaware
Delaware experienced 2,327 cybercrime victims, with a rate of 228 victims per 100,000 population.
3. Alaska
Alaska reported 1,539 cybercrime victims, equating to 210 victims per 100,000 population.
4. California
California had a significant number of cybercrime victims with 80,766 reported cases, resulting in 207 victims per 100,000 population.
5. Colorado
Colorado recorded 11,683 cybercrime victims, which translates to 200 victims per 100,000 population.
6. Florida
Florida reported 42,792 cybercrime victims, with a rate of 192 victims per 100,000 population.
7. Maryland
Maryland had 11,644 cybercrime victims, equating to 189 victims per 100,000 population.
8. South Dakota
South Dakota experienced 1,691 cybercrime victims, translating to 186 victims per 100,000 population.
9. Indiana
Indiana recorded 11,682 cybercrime victims, with a rate of 171 victims per 100,000 population.
10. Arizona
Arizona reported 12,112 cybercrime victims, resulting in 165 victims per 100,000 population.
Phil Hoey, Director of Coin Journal, emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity education and proactive measures such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, updating software, and exercising caution online to mitigate the risk of cybercrime.
The FBI says they see a surge in cybercrime incidents, with millions of Americans falling victim to various forms of online attacks.
Tech experts tells consumer when browsing online or checking your emails, be cautious of suspicious links or messages from unknown sources.
It’s also a good idea to secure your home Wi-Fi network with a strong password and encryption. And don’t forget to regularly back up your important files so you’re prepared in case of a ransomware attack or data breach. By taking these steps and being mindful of your online activities, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrime and keep your digital life safe and secure.”