What Is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is a crime that is facilitated by information and communication technology (ICT). Using a computer, criminals steal and distribute personal information or malicious material. This can include theft, fraud, and malware.
Internet fraud and identity theft are two of the most common forms of cybercrime. Identity thieves steal personal information and use it to open accounts and make purchases. They can also cause serious damage to credit.
Another type of fraud is cyberstalking. Stalkers often try to contact a victim’s employer or friends to obtain sensitive information. The perpetrator may also use threatening messages or defamatory content to slander the victim.
Denial of service attacks are a form of cyber extortion. They demand money for the return of information or a service. These attacks are often used to block networks or shut down systems.
Hackers can use drive-by downloads, adware, and spyware to access computers. They can also use malicious email attachments to infect people. These types of infections are often prevented by antivirus software.
These threats are only a part of the threat that cybercrime poses. Some other types of crimes include online bullying, phishing campaigns, and sale of illegal items.
Increasing cybercrime is a problem in many nations. A recent study estimated that cybercrime costs the global economy an estimated $600 billion a year. This cost is expected to rise to $6 trillion by 2021.
In addition to financial loss, a security breach can affect investors’ perceptions. This can affect a company’s value and make it harder to raise capital.