What is Cyber Crime?
In today’s digital age, the digital devices and internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. It offers immense opportunities for learning, communication, and entertainment. However, along with its benefits, the online world also poses various risks, especially for women and adolescents.
Cybercrime is a malicious activity carried out through digital means such as computer, internet or network devices. It cause significant threats to individuals, organizations, and nations.
One of the defining characteristics of cybercrime is its global reach. Criminals can operate from anywhere in the world, crossing international borders with ease, which poses challenges for law enforcement and regulatory authorities.
Key Aspects of Cyber Crime
Cybercriminals employ various methods to execute their crimes such as:
- Phishing emails
- Social engineering tactics
- Exploiting software vulnerabilities
- Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks
- Botnets (networks of compromised computers)
Cybercriminals are motivated by:
- Financial gain
- Political or ideological objectives
- Personal vendettas
- Espionage
- Thrill-seeking, or even disrupting societal functions.
Motives of cyber crime often dictate the type and severity of the cybercrime committed.
Cybercrime can have significant economic, social, and psychological impacts. It leads to:
- Financial losses for individuals and businesses
- Compromises personal and sensitive data
- Damages reputations
- Disrupts critical infrastructure and services. etc.
What are the categories of cybercrimes?
Identity theft, Cyberstalking, or Credit card fraud etc.
DDoS attacks, Installing viruses on computers, or Copyright Infringement etc.
Hacking, Cyber Terrorism, or spreading propaganda, Social Engineering etc.
How does Cybercrime work?
Cybercrime committed through a variety of techniques and methods that exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems and networks.
Cybercriminals often target weaknesses in software, operating systems, or applications. They exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems, steal data, or deploy malware.
Phishing involves tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity through emails, messages, or fake websites. Social engineering manipulates human behavior to deceive users into disclosing information or performing actions that compromise security.
Malicious software, such as viruses, trojans, worms, and ransomware, is used to infiltrate systems, steal data, disrupt operations, or extort money. Malware can be distributed through infected email attachments, compromised websites, or malicious downloads.
Botnets are networks of compromised computers or devices controlled by cybercriminals. They are used to launch Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, spread malware, or perform other malicious activities without the owners’ knowledge.
This type of malware encrypts data on a victim’s computer or network, rendering it inaccessible. Cybercriminals demand ransom payments in exchange for decryption keys, exploiting victims’ urgency to regain access to their data.
Cybercriminals target databases, servers, or cloud storage systems containing sensitive information (like personal data, financial records, or intellectual property) to steal and sell on the dark web or use for identity theft and fraud.
Cybercriminals hijack computers or devices to mine cryptocurrencies without the owners’ consent, consuming resources and potentially damaging hardware.
Employees or individuals with authorized access to systems may misuse their privileges to steal data, commit fraud, or sabotage operations.
Fraudulent transactions, such as using stolen credit card information or setting up fake online stores to deceive customers, are common forms of cybercrime targeting e-commerce platforms.
Nation-states or espionage groups conduct cyber operations to steal sensitive information, disrupt critical infrastructure, or gain political advantage.