STAY SAFE ONLINE! GUARD YOUR PRIVACY AND PEACE OF MIND
Fines These range widely, but a misdemeanor conviction can result in minor fees of a few hundred dollars or possibly up to $1,000. At the same time, felony convictions can have fines of up to $100,000. Jail or Prison If someone is convicted of a specific cybercrime, they can face jail or prison sentences. The most severe crimes can even result in a prison sentence of 20 years or more. Probation Depending on the case, a person can be on probation for a year or more and need to report to a probation officer, pay court costs and fines, or maintain employment. Though technology can make life a little easier, there are dangers we must avoid. So, create strong passwords, keep your systems updated, and be mindful of the information you’re giving out.
We live in a digital world where everything can be found online. Whether it’s storing data or gaining access to information, we tend to use the internet constantly. With so many innovations and new technologies being created, it’s no surprise that cybercrimes are becoming more frequent than ever.
• • • •
Theft of financial or card payment data
Theft and sale of corporate data
Infringing copyright
Selling illegal items online
As more business transactions, such as paying bills, shopping, and trading, have moved online, cybercrimes have affected more people than ever before.
What are cybercrimes? Cybercrimes are criminal
Unfortunately, the ill effects often lead to extreme financial ruin for businesses and individuals. What happens if you’re found guilty of cybercrimes? Laws have been made to address criminal behavior that involves computers, computer systems, and the
activities that involve computers, networked devices, or networks. These are typically committed by cybercriminals or hackers looking for ways to steal information, damage computers or networks, or make a profit — whether personal or political.
internet. In fact, each state has its requirements and potential penalties depending on the type of crime — and penalties may be severe, even for first-time offenders.
Some types of cybercrimes include:
• •
Email and internet fraud
Identity fraud (where personal information is stolen and used)
The penalties could include the following:
Look Both Ways Before Crossing 4 Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are rising in the U.S. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), drivers hit and killed 7,485 pedestrians in 2021. As more information is released about this, we have more insight about the common causes of pedestrian accidents. Here are four reasons you should be aware of. Distracted Driving Distracted driving causes 14%–17% of all crashes and is one of the main reasons why pedestrian accidents occur. When drivers pay attention to their phones, stereos, food, grooming habits, and other people in the car (among other things), they aren’t keeping their eyes on the road. If a driver does something other than keeping their undivided attention on the road, they can fail to see a pedestrian crossing the street or stopping at a crosswalk. Distracted Pedestrians While most people focus on distracted driving, distracted walking is equally dangerous. If you’re looking down at your phone while traveling on foot, you could run into another individual, a building, signs, light posts, or, even worse, oncoming traffic. With distracted walking, you could also engage in unsafe crossing behaviors like not waiting at a
crosswalk, failing to look both ways or jaywalking. Additionally, running across the road when there is oncoming traffic is seriously dangerous. Speeding Have you ever seen people speed past you on the road or run a stoplight? When you’re speeding, your reaction time is delayed because you can’t pay attention quickly enough to what’s happening around you. If someone pulls out or walks in front of you, you may not be able to stop in time. Stopping in the Middle of Traffic to Let Someone Cross We’ve all seen it — there’s heavy traffic on the road, and either a pedestrian or another car is trying to turn, move into another lane, or enter your lane. While you may stop to allow pedestrians or the other driver through to be nice, you are putting yourself and others at risk. Yes, you might have stopped to let others through, but that doesn’t mean other drivers are paying attention. If you or someone you know suffered injuries from a car or pedestrian accident, please contact your friends at Brooks & Crowley. We can help you file a personal injury claim and receive the compensation you deserve.
4 2
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator