What Is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime involves criminal activity using computers or other devices, whether the computer itself is a target (such as malware), a tool in an attack (such as phishing and spam), or simply plays an instrumental part in committing a crime (such as cyberstalking). Attacks such as data breaches, denial-of-service attacks, ransomware, and hacker attacks are all considered to be cyber crimes.
Cyberattacks often have financial implications for businesses that include fines, lawsuits, and lost productivity. They can also damage brands, leading to loss of consumer trust. For example, Equifax’s 2017 data breach cost the company millions and severely affected customer confidence in its ability to protect customers’ personal information.
Individuals are also at risk of being victimized by cyberattacks, which can involve privacy violations, identity theft, and online harassment. The psychological toll of cybercrime can be severe and may have lasting effects on victims’ mental health.
Vulnerabilities in technology, a lack of security awareness by individuals and businesses, and the absence of effective law enforcement are contributing factors to the growth of cybercrime. Many nations have weak cybercrime laws, making it easy for criminals to hide behind digital walls and operate across borders.
In addition to conducting criminal investigations, HSI provides world-class training and outreach to law enforcement partners, Congress, industry, academia, and the public to raise awareness of existing cyber threats and how to combat them. HSI also works with state and local law enforcement, judges, and prosecutors to support their efforts to investigate cyber incidents.