PERSPECTIVES FROM THE CAMPUS

One of the strengths of Indiana is that we bring together a variety of perspectives from the plethora of areas that touch the field of cyber, especially through the colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education throughout our state. Hence the name, “Perspectives from the Campus”, we invite experts – immersed in the pursuit of educating their students – to offer their knowledge for finding solutions in cybersecurity that benefit all Hoosiers.

In the latest installment of this series, David Dungan, who serves as the executive director at the Center for Security Services and Cyber Defense at Anderson University, discusses the impact, in terms of our mental health, that being impacted by a cyber crime can have on all of us.

By David Dungan

Even as we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month throughout the month of October, it’s understandable that, at times, the news we hear and read about cybersecurity speaks of the latest cryptocurrency, job, or grandparent scams so often that it can induce a sense of detachment for many of us.

In that moment, it can seem as though we’re, somehow, brushing aside the fact that in 2023, more than 11,000 Hoosiers were the victim of a cybercrime – ranging from scams involving identity theft, ransomware, and real estate to devastating threats of extortion, violence, and crimes against children, with losses reported in excess of $222.8 million.

What’s worse, these scams – for some people -- become a part of a difficult reality they live in, either because they’re unaware of the scam they’ve been tricked into, or they’re reeling from the financial and occasionally emotional loss they’ve experienced. Because of that, it’s essential to consider the mental health of those who have been scammed. According to data from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, fully two thirds of individuals, who’ve been impacted, report that they’ve experienced emotional costs from fraud, including “…stress, depression, frustration, anger, other psychological consequences, (as well as) sleep deprivation…”

As is often the case, many of these scams deliberately target people, who are the most vulnerable. It’s important, too, to keep in mind that it doesn’t define or diminish those who have lost money or confidence due to the actions of another.

When it comes to the age and generation of the people who are impacted, it’s important to know:

• A Gallup poll from 2023 suggests that eight percent of American adults have fallen victim to a scam within the past 12 months, and it is more likely for individuals with lower incomes and adults with no college education to be scammed.
• It’s not just older Americans who are the victim of a cybercrime; research suggests that younger adults ages 18 to 59 are actually more likely to fall for scams in general, especially those involving online shopping, investment, and job postings/offers.
• Conversely, seniors are more likely to fall victim to tech support, lottery, and family/friend imposter scams.

So, what can we do?

If you have a loved one, who has been a victim of a cybercrime or you suspect they’re at risk of being scammed, it is best to be empathetic to their experience, understanding that it is common for individuals who have been victimized to feel shame or embarrassment. Discuss the topic in private, and help direct them to resources that can be trusted.

Here in Indiana, you can visit the Indiana Cyber Hub website and go to the Report a Cyber Incident page. All of the services/resources are free, and it provides information on the steps someone can take as an individual to report a case of identity theft, as well as the type of reporting that is recommended if you’re a part of an organization.

Additionally, here are some helpful steps you can take, including:

• Talking with a close friend or family member, who, you believe, will be non-judgmental about your situation and will assist you in seeking out the resources to support you and help you begin the process to recover.
• Knowing it’s normal to experience negative emotions because of a scam or a cybercrime.
  • It’ll be difficult, but it’s important to stop communicating immediately with someone, if you believe they might be trying to mislead you or they’re pressuring you to do something, such as making a decision involving your financial well-being or your personal information (or that of someone close to you).

In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one have been defrauded and you have already done so, be sure to contact the victims’ bank or financial institution to report the fraud and contact a law enforcement agency, including:

• FBI - Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) - The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center's (IC3) mission is to receive, develop, and refer criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding arena of cybercrime. The IC3 gives the victims of cybercrime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations.
  • FBI Cyber - The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating cyberattacks and intrusions. To learn more about what you can do to protect yourself against various forms of cybercrimes, FBI Cyber offers a great deal of information and resources including:
    • Partnering with the FBI
    • Benefits of Reporting a Cyber Incident to the FBI
• Indianapolis Cyber Fraud Task Force
  • Cyber incidents that are financially related can be reported to the Indianapolis Cyber Fraud Task Force at: ind-cftf@usss.dhs.gov or call (317) 635-6420.
• Indiana State Police (ISP)ISP’s Cybercrime & Investigative Technologies Section is staffed with detectives who specialize in conducting cybercrime investigations. Call (317) 232-8248.

If you see that your loved one’s mental wellness is being negatively affected, consider contacting a mental health expert, such as a counseling and therapy service. In a mental health crisis, Indiana also offers 988 as a mental health services hotline or contact 911 in the event of an emergency.

In following these steps, we can help to reduce the number of scams that occur on an everyday (and annual) basis and begin to experience more of the “good” that comes from cybersecurity and gives us a reason to celebrate! Be safe out there!