A cyberattack can target individuals, but also businesses. They aim to obtain personal information in order to exploit it or resell it, such as banking data, login credentials, etc. To guard against this, simple reflexes exist. In the event of a cyberattack (infection by a virus following the opening of an email, a web page, etc), it is essential to act quickly and follow certain key steps. Indeed, the first thing to do in the event of a cyberattack is to disconnect from the internet. If your computer has a valid antivirus, scan the entire damaged hard drive and attempt to remove the virus. If necessary, have a complete restoration of the operating system carried out. Several companies specialise in IT security. Chronodisk intervenes in the event of a total operating system failure or a cyberattack. Chronodisk also enables the protection and recovery of certain personal data (bank account, file protection, photos, etc) in complete safety. Afterwards, it is strongly recommended to change all of your passwords.
The nature of the incident determines whether it should be brought to the attention of the judicial authorities. If you have been the victim of an online scam, it is best to file a report with a police department: a police station or the national gendarmerie. Several units specialise in the fight against cybercrime. Filing a report in the event of a cyberattack will allow the competent authorities to take legal action. You can also file a complaint with the public prosecutor of the regional court, by mail, with or without joining as a civil party.
Anticipating and preventing a cyberattack.
In the digital age, security is very often set aside. The new technologies that surround us can nonetheless be harmful to our digital data. Indeed, attackers of IT systems break into files and, in the event of the loss or theft of a laptop or tablet, retrieve personal data. IT security also means making it a priority for industry. A cyberattack on an industrial control system can cause loss of control, and the shutdown of facilities. As a result, it is possible to put in place essential rules to secure our IT systems and our information system:
- Choose your password carefully. The password is an authentication tool; to properly protect your personal data, please create a password that is difficult to guess.
- Regularly update the operating system.
- Back up your data. You can use external storage (a hard drive, for example) or internal storage (an online platform such as “the cloud”).
- Secure your Wi-Fi network. A poorly secured Wi-Fi network allows people to intercept your data. This is why accessing the internet via a public Wi-Fi hotspot should be avoided.
- Be cautious as soon as you receive emails in your inbox. Emails and their attachments play a central role in cyberattacks.
- Be vigilant when making an online payment.
- Protect your personal information. Be careful about how widely you share your information. Whenever you fill out forms, stay alert. Only provide the information that is necessary.
The measures put in place by the Ministry of the Interior, guarantor of cybersecurity.
The mission of the Ministry of the Interior is to guarantee the rule of law, including in cyberspace. The goal is to protect IT services across digital territories. The action of the national gendarmerie or the national police against cyberattacks is organised around three main pillars: anticipation, prevention, and enforcement.
Indeed, in order to anticipate, the operations and intelligence centres include a team tasked with scanning the Web to gather information and intelligence. In addition, to carry out prevention within each department, safety liaison officers provide prevention advice on cyberattacks to businesses and individuals. Brigades specialising in the prevention of juvenile delinquency work with children and teenagers on the risks of the internet. Finally, in terms of enforcement, the Ministry of the Interior has set up a centre dedicated to combating cybercrime. This centre is responsible for identifying emerging trends and conducting proactive investigations on the Web. The national agency for secure identity documents fights against identity fraud.
Indeed, securing identity documents drives numerous innovative projects, such as the security of paper documents and the reading of electronic chips via smartphone. To receive advice after being a victim of online crime, the Ministry of the Interior has set up a phone number: 0811 020 217. International operational police cooperation ensures round-the-clock information sharing with all members of the Interpol and Schengen networks.