What Is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is a term used to describe criminal activity that takes place over the internet. It includes phishing scams, ransomware and other malicious software that can disrupt your life online.
The world is increasingly digitally connected, and criminals exploit this to target weaknesses in online systems and networks worldwide. These attacks can have a huge economic and social impact on governments, businesses and individuals.
Hackers steal data and information about people by hacking into computer systems, using viruses, malware and other malicious software. This can include personal information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, or health records.
It can also involve stealing and selling sensitive data, including banking information, to third parties. This can lead to identity theft, fraud and money laundering.
Business and corporate data breaches can result in damage to investors’ perception of a company’s security, resulting in share price drops and increased costs for borrowing. Loss of sensitive customer data can also result in fines and other legal action.
Law enforcement agencies are tasked with dealing with the impact of cybercrime, such as identifying and tracking hackers, and ensuring that victims receive compensation for the losses they suffer. They work closely with the Department of Homeland Security and its cybercrime agency, CISA, to help prevent and investigate online threats.
Cybercrime investigators use their expertise in criminal investigation to gather and preserve evidence for later prosecution. Their skills include forensic and technical investigations as well as digital forensics, which helps them protect against cyberattacks on private data.