Are you concerned about hackers accessing, changing, or destroying your online data? Do you fear identity theft or ransomware attacks that could ruin your business? Due to ever-increasing cybercrime incidents, people are worrying the world over - but with nearly a million cybercrimes reported last year in the U.S., the problem here is clearly getting worse.

Oliver Page, the CEO of CyberNut, reveals which US states are most anxious about cybersecurity and explains how to protect yourself. 

What Can We Take From This Data?

Here are some key observations Oliver Page made about the data:

• The District of Columbia appears in the top ten. This could be due to the presence of many government bodies in the capital who are making their employees aware of the risks of cybercrime.

• States like New York, Maryland, and Virginia rank highly, likely reflecting their status as economic and technological hubs. 

• States with younger, more technologically savvy populations (like New York) may have higher awareness and concern about cybercrime, leading to more online searches.

• The table may reflect higher educational outreach and resources dedicated to cybersecurity in more prosperous states like Maryland and New York. 

What Counter Measures Are Being Taken?

AP News discussed how police in Washington, DC experienced a massive data leak perpetrated by a ransomware gang. The New York Times reported a cyberattack that forced the Suffolk County, New York government offline for several weeks. So what are people doing in response?

Oliver Page says, ‘The Biden administration released a 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCS), which aims to defend critical infrastructure and disrupt and dismantle threat actors. Other goals include shaping market forces, investing in a resilient future, and forging international partnerships.’

Oliver Page’s Top Tips On How To Protect Yourself

Here are some practical ways to defend your data from cybercriminals:

• Regularly update your software

• Train your household to take preventative measures

• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), particularly if using public/free Wi-Fi

• Install antivirus software 

• Update your social media privacy settings 

• Use complex passwords and regularly change them

• Stay abreast of the latest scams 

Oliver Page says, ‘The risks are real, so steps must be taken at an individual, state-wide, and international level. In turn, we can frustrate cybercriminals and use the Internet without fear.’