Some of the most notorious crimes in the world are conducted over the internet. Cybercrimes can be defined as the exploitation of computer networks, systems, and technology-dependent enterprises. There are different types of cybercrimes that use malicious code to modify data and gain unauthorized access.
Cybercrime Categories
Cybercrimes are categorized as crimes against individuals, property, or the government. Each category requires cybercriminals to function at different levels and are observed as different types of threats.
Individual cybercrimes include disseminating malicious or illegal information via the internet or using digital applications. Cyberstalking, child pornography distribution, and trafficking are a few ways that individuals can be guilty of cybercrimes.
Property cybercrimes are similar to real-life incidents when a criminal steals something that belongs to another. Property cybercrime could involve keeping your banking or credit card information illegally. Hackers may steal an individual’s bank details to acquire money, illegally replicate their information to create false accounts, or create phishing scams online to obtain information from others.
Government cybercrimes are the least frequent but considered to be the most serious of all the different types. A cybercrime against the government may also be regarded as cyberterrorism. Government cybercrimes involve the hacking of websites, military websites, or the distribution of government propaganda.
If you’ve been falsely accused of cybercrime, then contact a criminal defense lawyer in Tucson to protect your rights, advocate on your behalf, negotiate with the prosecution, and defend your case in court if necessary.
Types of Cyber Crime
Cybercrime takes many different forms. Criminals specializing in infiltrating computer networks have developed various malicious software and social engineering techniques to commit different types of cybercrime. Here are some of the most common cybercrimes:
Hacking
Criminal hacking is the act of gaining unauthorized access to data in a computer or network. Hackers also infiltrate networks to disrupt the operations of companies or governments. Computer and network intrusions cost billions of dollars annually, according to the FBI.
Malware
Malware is malicious software designed to interfere with a computer’s normal functioning or to commit a cybercrime. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, trojans, various hybrid programs, adware, spyware, and ransomware.
Identity Theft
According to the FBI, identity theft occurs if someone unlawfully obtains another individual’s personal information and uses it to commit crimes. Some identity thefts happen in the real world; however, trojans and spyware can be used to steal personal information online.
Social Engineering
Social engineering is psychologically manipulating individuals into performing actions or divulging their confidential information. Cybercriminals use online dating services, email, and social media sites to initiate conversations with potential victims, gain their trust, and then ask for their confidential information or coerce them into sending money.
The Impact of Cybercrime
Cybercrime is a huge threat to internet users because hackers can coerce unsuspecting people out of their money or personal information. Cybercrimes can also be dangerous, especially when hackers tap into power grids and shut off necessary services. Cybercrime has also caused a huge dent in the global economy.
The White House Council of Economic Advisers estimates that malicious cyber activity cost the U.S. economy between $57 billion and $109 billion in 2016. According to Gartner, the global demand for Cyber Security is expected to hit $170.4 billion by 2022.
Being charged with cybercrime will negatively affect your life because the penalties could include hefty fines, probation, seizing all your technological equipment, and jail time. If you’ve been falsely accused, speak with a cybercrime defense attorney near you today.