Cybercrime is rapidly growing in the world of tech today. The Criminals of the World Wide Web exploit internet users’ personal information for their own gain. They go deep into the dark web to buy and sell illegal products and services. They even have the ability to gain access to classified government information.
In fact, cybercrimes are costing companies and individuals billions of dollars annually. What’s more frightening is that this figure only represents the last 5 years with no end in sight. And with the evolution of technology and increasing accessibility of smart tech means there are multiple access points within users’ homes for hackers to exploit.
However, law enforcement attempts to tackle the growing issue, criminal numbers continue to grow, taking advantage of the anonymity of the internet.
Post Outline
What is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is simply known as a crime where a computer is the object of the crime or is used as a tool to commit an offense. A cybercriminal can as well use a device to access a user’s personal information, confidential business information, government information, or disable a device.
However, cybercrime can be divided into two main categories.
Crimes that target networks or devices
- Viruses
- Malware
- DoS Attacks
Crimes using devices to participate in criminal activities
- Phishing Emails
- Cyberstalking
- Identity Theft
Categories of Cybercrime
Cybercrime falls into three major types/categories: individual, property, and government. The three are different types of methods used and difficulty levels vary depending on the category.
Property
This is very much similar to a real-life instance of a criminal illegally possessing an individual’s bank or credit card details. In this case, the hacker steals a person’s bank details to gain access to funds, make purchases online, or run phishing scams to get people to give away their information. Moreover, malicious software to gain access to a web page with confidential information can also be used.
Individual
This category of cybercrime, involves one individual distributing malicious or illegal information online. This can as well include cyberstalking, distributing pornography, and trafficking.
Government
This category of Cybercrime is the least common one but is the most serious offense. However, the crime against the government can also be known as cyber terrorism. Government cybercrime includes hacking government websites, military websites, or distributing propaganda. Most times, these criminals are usually terrorists or enemy governments of other nations.
Types of Cybercrime
DDoS Attacks
These types of Cybercrime are used to make an online service unavailable and take the network down by overwhelming the site with traffic from a variety of sources. There are large networks of infected devices known as Botnets are created by depositing malware on users’ computers. Then the hacker hacks into the system once the network is down.
Botnets
Botnets are commonly known as networks from compromised computers that are controlled externally by remote hackers. However, remote hackers send spam or attack other computers through these botnets. Botnets can are used to act as malware and perform malicious tasks.
Identity Theft
This type of cybercrime occurs when the criminal gains access to a user’s personal information to steal funds, access confidential information, or participate in tax or health insurance fraud. Similarly, they can as well open a phone/internet account in your name, use your name to plan a criminal activity, and claim government benefits in your name. They can do this by finding out user’s passwords through hacking, retrieving personal information from social media, or sending phishing emails.
Cyberstalking
This type of cybercrime involves online harassment where the user is subjected to a plethora of online messages and emails. However, cyberstalkers use social media, websites, and search engines to intimidate a user and instill fear. Similarly, the cyberstalker knows their victim and makes the person feel afraid or concerned for their safety.
Social Engineering
This type of Cybercrime known as Social engineering involves criminals making direct contact with you usually by phone or email. They wish to gain your confidence and usually pose as a customer service agent so you’ll give the necessary information needed. This is usually a password, the company you work for, or bank information. Cybercriminals can find out what they can about you on the internet and then attempt to add you as a friend on social accounts. Immediately access is gained to an account, they can sell your information or secure accounts in your name.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, with this knowledge that we have brought to your notice about cybercrime, we are confident that you have the knowledge about Cybercrime. And you will be aware of it anytime you notice Cybercrime around your vicinity and take proper precautions.
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