Career in Cybercrime Prevention and Protection
The Internet’s speed, convenience, and anonymity make cybercrime easier to commit than ever. It can take the form of ransomware, stealing credit card or debit information, piracy of movies and games, hacking into government systems to steal classified data, trafficking in child pornography and intellectual property, cyberbullying and stalking, and much more. Cybercrime may also be used to commit traditional crimes, such as armed robbery or murder, and can cause severe financial loss for victims. It can also damage the reputation of a company after a data breach and hurt investor confidence, leading to a drop in stock prices.
Cybercrime can be committed by anyone who has access to the Internet, including children. As the world continues to move toward a fully connected society, the threat of cyberattacks is on the rise and the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals is growing.
A career in cybercrime prevention and protection is a good fit for those who are interested in technology, computer science, and law enforcement. Having a strong understanding of business is also useful, as many cyberattacks are financially motivated. From hacking into Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone system (called phreaking) in the late 1800s to phishing scams and malware being deployed through smart fish tanks and coffee makers, hackers are now finding new ways to exploit holes in our digital security. This means that you should always be on the lookout for scams, back up your hard drive and devices regularly, use a VPN when possible, and change passwords often.