Stay Safe Online!
GUARD YOUR PRIVACY AND PEACE OF MIND
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU’RE FOUND GUILTY OF CYBERCRIMES? Laws have been made to address criminal behavior that involves computers, computer systems, and the 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.
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. WHAT ARE CYBERCRIMES? Cybercrimes are criminal 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.
The penalties could include the following:
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.
Some types of cybercrimes include:
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Email and internet fraud
• Identity fraud (where personal information is stolen and used) • 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. Unfortunately, the ill effects often lead to extreme financial ruin for businesses and individuals.
Is Your Car Insurance Good Enough? USE OUR CHECKLIST TO VET YOUR POLICY
Make sure you have uninsured/ underinsured (UM) coverage. This coverage will protect you if you’re in a crash with a driver who either doesn’t have liability insurance at all or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your medical bills and damages. Technically this should never happen because liability insurance is required by law, but we still see it all the time! To protect yourself, we recommend purchasing a specific type of UM insurance called “add-on coverage,” which will let you add the amount of insurance the other driver has to the amount of your UM policy, giving you the greatest total coverage. Do NOT purchase “reducing coverage” UM insurance, which does the opposite!
Feb. 1 is Car Insurance Day, so when you get this newsletter, take a moment to celebrate it by double-checking your insurance coverage! If you’re not sure what to look for, use this handy guide from our team of experts. When you check all of these boxes, you will be largely protected from the expense of even the worst car crash.
per incident, and property damage liability worth $25,000 per incident.
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These policies are required by Georgia law, and they’ll help you pay for any injuries or damage you cause to other drivers if you’re in a car wreck. You can invest in more coverage if you want, but you’re not allowed to have less. Check for physical damage insurance. There are two different types of physical damage insurance: collision, which covers the damage to your vehicle if you’re in a crash, and comprehensive, which will reimburse you if your car catches fire or is damaged by a thief or vandal. Neither of these insurance types are required, but they’re good to have if you can afford them!
Check whether you have active insurance coverage. It’s possible your coverage has expired, or you forgot to update it when you moved to Georgia from out of state. If that’s the case, you’re breaking the law and need to invest in a policy right away. Make sure your policy includes these two types of liability insurance: bodily injury liability worth at least $25,000 per person and $50,000
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You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cellphone is 404.409.3160.)
2 • KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880
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