Cybersecurity Expert: Online Threats Against Individuals, Cities Likely To Increase in 2022

Online crimes like identity theft and data ransom will become more common in the near future, according to a cybersecurity expert based in Norman.  

“In the last 2 years, we’ve more than tripled the number of cyber-attacks that have happened,” said Teresa Rule of RNT Professional Services, a cybersecurity firm.  

Cyber-attacks have a wide range of targets, including individuals and governments.  

The state of Oklahoma defended itself against trillions in the early months of 2021.  

Earlier this year, the city of Tulsa said hundreds of its computers were compromised by a hacker.  

Related: TU Cybersecurity Expert Addresses Tulsa Ransomware Attack 

Rule said outdated computer equipment and software can make someone vulnerable to online attacks.  

“I would say Oklahoma is typical of a lot of states in the Midwest that have dated infrastructure,” she said. “We’re still running Windows 7, we’re still using old equipment. We’re still using software we got 10 years ago.”  

Identity theft is a common form of cyber-attack against individuals. Rule said one method that’s becoming more prominent is hackers using the names of newborns to apply for credit cards.  

“We’re finding that children are being exploited before they’re even out of diapers,” she said.  

Rule said there are several ways to prevent cybercrime.  

She said backing up your data and files onto separate hard drives can remove risk, as well as using longer passwords and changing them monthly; and updating your devices and software regularly.  

“With convenience comes some expectations of responsibility,” Rule said. “We all need to learn how to be responsible cyber citizens.”  

Click here for more tips from the National Cybersecurity Alliance, and click here to report an online crime to the FBI.