Cybercrime
Cybercrime is a broad category of crime that exploits the online and networked nature of information technology. It is typically committed by criminals using tools such as phishing, ransomware, hacktivism and more.
Cyber crimes can cause a wide variety of harms including financial loss, compromised data and theft of intellectual property. They can also lead to a decline in efficiency and effectiveness in public services like emergency response and the loss of consumer confidence in companies that experience a data breach. In addition, the theft of personal identifying information can re-victimize individuals for years as stolen data circulates in dark corners of the Internet. There is a cyber component to virtually every type of investigation HSI conducts, including narcotics and weapons trafficking; fraudulent identification documents; sexual exploitation of children; criminal money laundering; and more.
Viruses
Malicious software that is programmed to self-replicate and infect files on a computer system. Some examples include the Melissa, ILOVEYOU and Nimda viruses.
An attack that disrupts a service by flooding a website or network with requests for access. Distributed denial of service attacks are often carried out by hackers to target websites or organizations with political or financial motivations such as government agencies, private corporations or charities. This is one of the most common and damaging cyber threats to businesses and individuals.