As technology advances, the threat of cybercrime has become increasingly concerning for individuals, organizations, and governments. Cybercrime can take many forms, including copyright Infringement, Cyberstalking, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, extortion, fraud, identity theft, online predators, personal data breaches, and prohibited/illegal content.
Computer Hacking
Cybercrime is becoming an increasingly significant threat to individuals, organizations, and governments as technology advances. Among the many forms of cybercrime is computer hacking, which involves explicitly unauthorized access to computer systems and networks. Computer hacking is a catchall phrase that describes a wide range of criminal activities committed using the internet and computers.
Modifying computer software and hardware is a common technique used in hacking to gain access to data, such as passwords, or introduce Malware to computer systems and networks. Ransomware is a prevalent form of computer hacking, which involves the use of Malware to encrypt a victim’s files, rendering them inaccessible and then demanding a ransom to restore access. Another form of computer hacking is phishing, in which an email appears to come from a person or organization the user knows, but it’s an “e-scam.” The email message may appear genuine and tricks the user into clicking on a link or downloading an attachment that compromises the computer with Malware, such as a virus.
It is important to note that computer hacking is illegal, and those found guilty of such activities may face severe legal consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to stay informed about the different forms of cybercrime and take necessary precautions to protect oneself and one’s organization. In addition, individuals and organizations can help prevent cybercrime and defend themselves in the digital world by investing in cybersecurity measures.
Copyright Infringement
Copyright infringement is a violation involving the use or reproduction of copyrighted materials without permission. This includes various materials, from technology, movies, and music to inventions, ideas, and creative expressions such as art. With the proliferation of digital technologies that facilitate file sharing through internet networks, this type of cybercrime is becoming more common and poses a growing threat to individuals and businesses.
The consequences of copyright infringement can be severe and may include monetary damages and legal action. For example, a startup technology company could suffer a significant setback if a competitor steals its code, losing its competitive advantage. Therefore, companies and individuals need to take proactive measures to protect their intellectual property.
To combat cybercrime, law enforcement works closely with copyright and trademark owners, as well as online marketplaces and payment service providers that may inadvertently facilitate copyright infringement.
Cyber Stalking
Cyberstalking is a perilous type of online harassment that exploits the internet and other digital technologies to stalk or harass an individual. With the emergence of social media, people can easily share their life experiences, interests, restaurant visits, and even vacation pictures. However, this sharing may attract cyber stalkers who can be highly persistent in their efforts to harass their victims.
According to reports, over 40% of adults have experienced some form of online harassment or cyberstalking, with women being the most targeted group. The reasons for this are unclear, but it has been theorized that some cyber stalkers feel threatened by confident and assertive women on the internet.
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It is essential to differentiate between cyberstalking and researching someone’s background online. For instance, it is acceptable for an employer to check out a newly hired employee’s Instagram account to learn more about them. However, cyber stalkers gather information about their victims from various sources, including social media profiles, online forums, and public records, to create a profile of their victim, which they can then use to intimidate or blackmail them. Cyberstalking can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and even physical harm. In some cases, victims of cyberstalking have had to seek legal protection or go into hiding to escape their harassers.
DDoS Attacks
A DDoS attack involves using Malware to target a network server and inundate it with excess internet traffic, causing systems and machines to crash. In a cybercrime investigation, a sudden surge of data patterns or suspicious amounts of traffic from a single IP address, which is a unique numerical identifier for a device on a computer network, can help identify the source of a DDoS attack.
Extortion
Cybercriminals use various methods of extortion, including ransomware and “crypto-jacking.” Ransomware is Malware that encrypts a victim’s files, rendering them inaccessible, and then demands a ransom to restore access. Another form of extortion is “crypto-jacking,” in which organizations or individuals who fall victim to a successful attack are forced to pay large sums of money using cryptocurrency, such as bitcoins. Cryptojackers take advantage of the decentralized nature of cryptocurrency to operate anonymously. However, the U.S. Justice Department was able to recover $2.3 million paid in bitcoins to hackers in the recent hack of the Colonial Pipeline in the U.S.
Fraud
Fraudulent practices are used to gain an unfair advantage or personal enrichment. For instance, a company may present a false financial picture by including fictitious payments, invoices, or revenues to acquire investment or tax advantages. Credit and debit card fraud has become a growing concern in the digital world. Fraud can be extended into the digital realm from the physical world. For example, a fraudster can use a skimming device to steal information from individuals using their credit or debit card at an ATM or credit card processing device. A hacker can also use Malware to obtain customer credit card information from card processing software. The information obtained can then be sold online or used for making purchases.
Identity Theft
Identity theft can have devastating and long-lasting effects on an individual’s financial situation, reputation, and more. For instance, an identity thief can open new credit card accounts in the victim’s name without their knowledge by using their personal information. Signs of having been a victim of identity theft include being declined by merchants, inexplicable withdrawals from checking accounts, receiving calls from debt collectors for debts that are not yours, and seeing unauthorized charges on your credit report.
One of the most famous cases of identity theft is that of Frank Abagnale, Jr., who impersonated a Pan Am pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer while also cashing millions of dollars in fraudulent checks. His story was depicted in the book and subsequent film “Catch Me If You Can.”
Online Predators
Online predators, who are typically adults, use popular social media sites to find targets, often young children and adolescents. They employ various tactics, such as pretending to be the same or similar age as their target and creating fake profiles to earn the trust of the most vulnerable. Through this act of grooming, online predators may pressure a child to engage in inappropriate behavior, such as sending explicit images of themselves or sharing sensitive information about themselves, which can lead to grave consequences, including kidnapping, violent attacks, and sexual exploitation.
The FBI warns that every year, thousands of cases involving crimes against children are reported, including incidents of online predation. In fact, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the organization received over 21.7 million reports regarding exploited children in 2020 alone. This highlights the urgent need for parents and guardians to educate themselves and their children about the dangers of online predators and to take proactive measures to protect their children from these risks. Such measures may include:
- Limiting their children’s access to social media sites.
- Monitoring their children’s online activities.
- Discussing safe online behavior with their children.
Parents and guardians can help ensure their children are safe and secure online by taking these steps.
Personal Data Breach
A personal data breach occurs when a hacker gains unauthorized access to a computer system to steal records and data about individuals, including user passwords, credit card information, and health records. This type of cybercrime is most common in the business world, and the most significant data breaches in history have affected millions, and even billions, of users.
For example, Yahoo was hacked over three years, resulting in 3 billion breached accounts. According to Norton, a data breach can occur in four ways:
- System vulnerabilities, such as outdated software.
- Weak passwords.
- Drive-by downloads occur when a user visits a compromised website.
- Targeted malware attacks.
Prohibited/Illegal Content
Cybercrime that involves online predators trying to obtain sexually explicit images often involves prohibited/illegal content on the internet, including footage of criminal activity and real or simulated violence. In addition, content that promotes illegal activity, such as making weapons or bombs, and extreme political or hateful views that can radicalize vulnerable people to perform criminal acts is also considered illegal content. In business, prohibited content can include content on streaming services accessed without authorization and IP addresses acquired to commit fraudulent activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cybercrime is a serious issue that affects individuals, organizations, and governments. Cybercrime investigations are crucial for bringing the perpetrators of these crimes to justice and securing the digital landscape. By investing in cybersecurity, individuals and organizations can help prevent cybercrime and protect themselves digitally.
