BotNet News

Cybercrime involves the use of technology to commit crimes. It includes everything from identity theft to ransomware, and can be conducted by individuals or groups. It can include cyber-enabled money laundering, extortion and the piracy of intellectual property. The losses associated with cybercrime are staggering, with estimates of billions of dollars in lost funds each year. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as cyber-attacks can also cause disruptions to critical infrastructure services (like transportation, power and healthcare), impact reputation and erode trust.

The types of cybercrimes are many and varied, including cryptojacking, cyberespionage, unauthorized access to government and corporate data, cyber extortion and the solicitation, production or possession of child pornography. Many cyberattacks take the form of malware that infects computers, steals or changes data and blocks users from accessing websites or networks, or attacks that disrupt service, which is known as a denial-of-service attack.

As the number of cyberattacks continues to grow, so does the need for cybersecurity professionals and investigators. Those who investigate these crimes need to be aware of how to recognize potential threats, understand how digital risks are assessed and managed, and work with law enforcement agencies to coordinate responses to incidents that affect the nation.

Those who work in cybersecurity or digital forensics must realize that their reports could have serious consequences for victims, and that working with personal data can violate privacy policies and lead to repercussions. It is important to be suspicious of unsolicited emails and messages, as well as websites or social media accounts that appear too good to be true.