The OPP are recognizing Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Police say cybercrime happens when technology is used to carry out criminal offences or when technology is the target of the criminal offence.
“To the end of September 2020, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received more than six thousand complaints of ‘cyberfraud’ via e-mail, internet or social media platforms from Ontario and identified 3,659 victims who sustained combined losses of $17.84-million.”
Phishing accounts for a majority of all reported cyber security incidents, according to the OPP. Phishing is an email or text message that looks like it’s from a legitimate person or organization but has malicious links or attachments.
Thomas Carrique, OPP Commissioner, says everyone has a role to play to deter the increasing risk of cybercrime victimization in Ontario and around the world.
“The OPP, with our police and public safety partners, continue to collaborate with our communities to manage risks, recognize threats and minimize harm in our communities.”
Police say cybercriminals have multiple motivators for doing what they do, and they can vary from financial or political gain to raising awareness for a cause or ideology or even causing damage through acts of anarchy.
There are five primary themes in this year’s OPP Cyber Security Awareness Month campaign:
1)Â Â Â Cyber Security
2)Â Â Â “Why Me?” Why Cyber-Thieves Want your Info
3)Â Â Â How Attacks Work: Cybercrime Anatomy 101
4)Â Â Â Thwarting Cybercriminals: How to Recognize and Respond to Threats
5)Â Â Â Safety Practices for all Devices
Victims of  digital or online cybercrime can contact the local police service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.