Bonnie and Clyde, the legendary 20th century American bank-robbing duo, allegedly wrote a letter to Henry Ford after the release of the Ford V8 automobiles.

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“I have drove Fords exclusively when I could get away with one. For sustained speed and freedom from trouble the Ford has got every other car skinned, and even if my business hasn't been strickly legal, it don’t hurt anything to tell you what a fine car you got in the V8.”

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The commercialization of cars drove a lot of changes in how crimes were committed, and consequently changed how police were equipped to handle such crimes. In the digital age, it is clear that a similar process is occurring with the widespread use of electronics and the internet. The massive budget increases for the NSA and similar government agencies dedicated to computer security exemplifies how much change is truly happening in the industry. However, unlike the social ramifications of getaway cars, digital security impacts everyday people in a way that Bonnie and Clyde never could.

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According to a annual report published by Kaspersky, a malware-fighting software company, there are certain kinds of computer attacks that are expected to become even more widespread as technology develops.

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Ransomware is malware that locks away important files on a user's computer, and then demands payment for the data’s safe return. Over the last few years this type of cyber crime has risen in the ranks, and become more of an issue for everyday computer users. Over the last 12 months there has been an 11.6% increase in the number of users who have encountered ransomware. However, Kaspersky predicts that this type of digital crime is on the way down in popularity, due to the fact that most people would not trust a criminal to safely return their data after the payment has been received.

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Targeted attacks involve a criminal specifically going after a business, or person who has the ability to pay large ransoms, or something else of value. There have been cases where hackers demanded over half a million dollars in exchange for whatever data was locked away on the computer’s hard drive. These kinds of attacks can be political or personal in nature, and rather than demanding payment, these kinds of criminals simply intend to destroy businesses, push a political agenda or tarnish public reputations. These kinds of attacks are unique in that they threaten every computer user, not only large banks or politicians. This makes it necessary for everyday computer users to learn how to protect themselves.

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First, it is important that users install software updates on their personal devices. These prevent hackers from completely circumventing everything else that may be in place to protect a computer user. Updates work by “sewing up” potential weaknesses and flaws in your system.

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Second, a healthy skepticism of websites, emails, and popup windows will go a long way to preventing harmful software from infecting a computer. Demands for passwords or personal information should always be a red flag, no matter the apparent source.

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Finally, in the wake of the Equifax and Yahoo hacks, it has become necessary to use various passwords across different websites in case one of them is compromised by hackers. Even though these attacks are outside of anyone’s control, everyday people need to put in the extra effort to protect themselves from the apparent nature of the digital age.