Cybercrimes are those instances when criminals, known as hackers or attackers, access your computer for malicious reasons. You can fall victim any time you are on an unprotected computer, receive a deceptive email claiming there is an “urgent matter” regarding your Monster account or just surfing the Web. They might be seeking sensitive, personal identification information stored on your computer, like credit card numbers or private account logins they use for financial gain or to access your online services for criminal purposes. Or they could want your computer’s resources, including your Internet connection, to increase their bandwidth for infecting other computers. This also allows them to hide their true location as they launch attacks. The more computers a criminal hides behind, the harder it becomes for law enforcement to figure out where the criminal is. If the criminal can’t be found, he can’t be stopped and prosecuted.

There are many different threats to your computer’s safety, as well as many different ways a hacker could try to steal your data or infect your computer. Once on a computer, the threat will tend to show little to no symptoms so it can survive for a prolonged period undetected. Your online security and cybercrime prevention can be straightforward. In general, online criminals are trying to make their money as quickly and easily as possible. The more difficult you make their job, the more likely they are to leave you alone and move on to an easier target.

We’ve compiled a list of the different types of threats that are out there along with some recommended steps you can take to reduce your susceptibility to these threats, using information from Symantec, a global leader in infrastructure software that helps consumers to protect their infrastructure, information and interactions.

1: Vulnerabilities

How they attack: Vulnerabilities are flaws in computer software that create weaknesses in your computer or network’s overall security. Vulnerabilities can also be created by improper computer or security configurations. Threats exploit the weaknesses of vulnerabilities, resulting in potential damage to the computer or its data.

• How do you know? Companies announce vulnerabilities as they are discovered and quickly work to fix them with software and security "patches."

What to Do

• Keep software and security patches up to date.
• Configure security settings for your operating system, Internet browser and security software. 
• Companies should develop personal security policies for online behavior, and individuals should be sure to adopt their own policies to promote online safety.
• Install a proactive security solution like Norton Internet Security to block threats targeting vulnerabilities.

2: Spyware

How it attacks: Spyware can be downloaded from Web sites, email messages, instant messages and direct file-sharing connections. Additionally, a user may unknowingly receive spyware by accepting an End User License Agreement from a software program.

How do you know? Spyware frequently attempts to remain unnoticed, either by actively hiding or simply not making its presence on a system known to the user.

What to Do

• Use a reputable Internet security program to proactively protect from spyware and