BotNet News

Cybercrime is an ever-growing concern for citizens, businesses and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Phishing, ransomware, data breaches and other cyberattacks have major negative effects on individuals, organizations and economies. The international nature of these crimes makes the response to them challenging. Variations in laws, cultural perspectives and enforcement capabilities often lead to inconsistencies in definitions of cybercrime and how these activities are prosecuted.

As Americans become increasingly reliant on modern technology, the need for complementary cybersecurity and law enforcement capabilities grows. HSI has a dedicated team of experts focused on preventing, investigating and pursuing cyberattacks. We work with our partners, Congress, the public and others to raise awareness of these attacks, strengthen our institutional responses and ensure we have the skills and tools necessary to prevent them.

The most effective way to prevent cyberattacks is to practice good security hygiene, including creating strong passwords and not recording them anywhere. It is also important to avoid clicking on links in spam emails or unfamiliar websites, and using a trusted antivirus software product to protect yourself from malicious programs.

Investigators of cyberspace crime need to be smart, logical, objective, patient and curious. They also need a deep understanding of computers, networking and technical jargon, as well as an insider’s view of the hacker underground. These characteristics are why highly skilled cybercrime investigators are in high demand and can command premium salaries. There is a cyber component to virtually every type of investigation HSI conducts, from narcotics and weapons trafficking to fraud, human trafficking and intellectual property theft.