What is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is a term used to describe any criminal activity involving a computer, networked device or the Internet. It can take on many forms, from a simple hack to spread malware or illegal information and images over the Internet, to more sophisticated attacks against hospitals, power plants, transportation systems and governments.
In the simplest form, cybercrime involves hackers taking advantage of people’s trust in the security of their computers and devices. They can take passwords or other data from unsuspecting victims, either by gaining access to their computers or by tricking them into entering their credentials on fake websites. Other examples of cybercrime include ransomware, where hackers threaten to shut down a business or public service, and vishing, where attackers pose as tech support or law enforcement to pressure their targets into sharing login credentials.
It is not possible to eliminate cybercrime, but the best way to protect businesses and individuals from falling victim to it is to keep their devices and networks secure with a defense-in-depth approach and strong authentication methods. It’s also important to avoid suspicious or unfamiliar links in emails and messages, and monitor bank statements to spot unusual transactions that may be the result of a cybersecurity incident.
Private companies and universities offer specialized training programs in cybercrime investigation. These courses teach students how to use tools like IDA Pro, OllyDbg and Binary Ninja, as well as password recovery software such as Cain and Abel, John the Ripper and Hashcat.