What Is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is an umbrella term for criminal activity that occurs when computers and other electronic devices are connected to the Internet. It includes a wide range of malicious activities, including illegal gambling, child pornography, online stalking, and cyberbullying.
Cybercrime can be perpetrated by individuals or organized crime groups. There are several types of cybercrimes, each with its own distinct tactics. The most common forms include malicious software and email fraud.
Some crimes are carried out to destroy devices, while others are targeted at specific people. For example, phishing campaigns are designed to lure users into clicking on an illegitimate link. Other cybercrimes involve the use of malware to spread information and steal data.
In the past ten years, the number of malware infections has skyrocketed. Viruses can infect computers and spread to other systems, causing damage and destroying files. This has made financial crimes easier.
The Internet has also made it easier for thieves to hack into bank accounts and other sensitive information. Losing sensitive customer data can damage a brand’s reputation. Additionally, businesses may face legal suits over the loss of such information.
Many people think of a lone computer hacker, but there are actually several organizations dedicated to fighting cybercrime. Those agencies include the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Division.
These agencies work to protect the public from online threats, and they accept complaints online from interested third parties. They also run the National Computer Forensics Institute, a training institute that offers computer forensics courses.