The internet enables us to engage with each other. It also allows us to send necessary sensitive documents across as and when you want to. Smartphones are the greatest technological assets as they allow us to store our sensitive data on them as well as on special servers called cloud servers.
With the number of scammers and hackers increasing annually, they tend to target individuals, corporations, and government entities through cyber attacks. They will gain the information for monetary purposes or steal the identity of an individual to commit fraudulent activities. Continue reading if you wish to keep your computers, tablets, and smartphones safe from these cyber criminals.
What Is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is the act of collecting sensitive details about individuals who would not share them with their trusted ones. Those who commit cybercrimes are cyber criminals. These criminals also target huge corporations and government officials. These cyberattacks are carried out to collect sensitive information that one will never declare in public unless the authorities provide it under certain conditions.
These cybercriminals will use phishing, malware, information found on the dark web, or other tactics like hacking directly. These activities include stealing confidential information, buying and selling illegal goods and services, stealing financial assets, and so forth.
Types of cybercriminals
Every cyber criminal has a different agenda for carrying out cyberattacks. The effects of these cyberattacks vary depending on the intentions of these con artists and their potential targets. We have listed six distinct cyber attacks below:
Hackers
Anyone who gains your confidential information without your authorization by breaking through your smartphones, computers, and tablets is called a hacker. They will collect the information through social engineering or the data available on the dark web.
These criminals will gain a backdoor entry into your system by exploiting weaknesses in your electronic devices. They trick their potential targets into giving them sensitive data without their knowledge.
Sometimes these cybercriminals will trick their potential victims to click on certain links or directly trick them into downloading malware. These malware are software programs that allow these con artists to gain control and collect sensitive data directly from their victims’ electronic devices on which they are downloaded.
Hackers will either “hack” these electronic devices for monetary benefits and/or sell the information on the dark web to the highest bidders.
Scammers
Scammers will impersonate a false identity that has certain credibility in society. They will impersonate a financial advisor for a government authority, like an Internal Revenue Service officer, to trick their potential target into handing down their sensitive data directly. They also steal money through online transactions.
They use the following tactics to trick their potential victims into handing down their personal information:
Phishing Tactics
These con artists will send messages through texts, messages, and emails randomly to several people. They hope that at least someone will catch the “bait” as a fisherman baits the fish. When a potential victim clicks on the link, they are directed to a webpage that will look authentic.
The instructions on that webpage will prompt their victim to fill in their sensitive information. Once these victims fill in their sensitive details on the fraudulent webpage, they are collected and sent to these scammers, who will now use them for nefarious intentions.
Ransomware
Potential victims are tricked into downloading these malicious software programs on their electronic devices. Once the program is installed on the electronic device, cybercriminals will contact these victims and ask for a ransom to release control to their rightful owners, in this case, the victim.
Scareware
Potential victims are convinced to download a malicious program on their electronic devices out of fear. When these potential victims are searching for certain sites, a warning message will pop up. These messages will prompt them to download certain software programs that are malicious in nature. These programs will either act as ransomware and/or collect sensitive data from the electronic devices where they are downloaded.
Travel Scams
Cyber criminals will lure in their potential victims by offering bogus discounts on travel plans. Innocent victims will fall for it and fill in the details that are mentioned on the web page. Once the data is submitted, it goes to these charlatans.
Online Shopping Scams
Cyber criminals will create fake online shopping websites that are popular in society. When some potential victims land on these e-shop web pages, they cannot distinguish between an authentic website and a fake one. These victims will provide their credit card details, thinking that they are purchasing some goods or services that are mentioned on these fake websites. Thus, they are practically handing their financial details to these scammers.
Hacktivists
These are a special breed of cybercriminals who will engage in crimes under the pretext of religion, politics, and other ideologies. They frequently attack governments, religious leaders, political leaders, multinational corporations, influential people, and so forth. To make their message clear, they will crash their targeted victims’ websites, steal information through hacking, and provide sensitive information to the public. They will convince common people that what they are doing is correct and that the release of such information is necessary in the interest of society.
Although their actions can be deemed good under certain conditions, after 2022, the lines between state-sponsored hackers and hacktivists have been blurred.
Disgruntled Employees
Sometimes disgruntled employees would get back at the company and tarnish its reputation by going to the public forum and venting their anger and frustration. Many resort to such tactics because they think they have been mistreated or even fired without a valid cause.
The severity of the alleged allegations from these individuals can really hurt the reputation of the firm. Depending on the tenure and seniority, it would be a nightmare for the company’s PR to handle the situation. Not only is the reputation of the company at stake, but some of these individuals will also resort to stealing the sensitive data of the company and providing it to rival firms. In some cases, they may entirely delete these files. Sometimes their actions can disrupt the internal network.
Although it is always assumed that those working in the IT department can exercise such actions, this is far from the truth. Anyone with a decent amount of money can buy malicious software on the dark web and upload it to the company’s network, causing serious damage.
State Actors
At times, the government employs hackers to spy on other countries, and those employed to carry out such deeds are called state actors. These state actors wield tremendous powers as they are backed by the government. They have access to various software programs that are state-of-the-art and can cause some serious damage to the reputation of a country.
Spreading misinformation during the election and tarnishing the reputation of a country are a few examples that these state actors indulge in.
Script Kiddies
Younger and less experienced hackers are generally referred to as script kiddies. They are not to be taken lightly due to their inexperience; in fact, they can cause more damage than experienced cyber criminals.
Due to their lack of coding, they do not fully understand the extent of damage they can cause. An experienced hacker has the necessary information regarding the specific damage to be caused while initiating a cyberattack.
Script kiddies lack the necessary knowledge and awareness, and due to this factor, they can cause a huge amount of damage to their intended targets. They may commit such an injury out of curiosity or to create havoc for their targeted victim. However, because they do not fully understand the coding scripts and lack the necessary experience to cover their tracks after initiating a cyber attack, they are more likely to be caught for their actions.
Different Types Of Cybercrime
There are several types of cybercrimes that range from being completely annoying to ending in a financial disaster. The type of cyberattack depends on the intention of the cybercriminals involved. We have listed a few examples of cybercrime. These cybercrimes are also a part of the internet scams.
Malware Attacks
Malware stands for malicious software; it is created by developers who are also sometimes hackers. They are easily available on the dark web for a price. Computer viruses, botnets used for DDoS attacks, ransomware, rootkits, and worms are a few types of malware.
These programs can steal, destroy, or even steal sensitive data for financial gain.
Online Fraud
As per the Federal Trade Commission, more than $10 billion was lost in online fraud. Some of the common online frauds are identity theft, imposter scams, credit and debit card fraud, fake job opportunities, online shopping scams, and so forth.
Most of these scams result in heavy financial losses for the victim and can push them into further financial burdens. Victims falling for such scams are also at risk of having their credit score destroyed due to identity theft.
Financial Theft
Cybercriminals’ main motive is to engage in cyberattacks to simply gain monetary benefits from their potential victims. To steal financial and other sensitive information, these con artists will engage in the following tactics to gain it: They frequently engage in infiltrating banks and credit card company systems, scamming people with fake investments, hacking personal devices, using ransomware, phishing, extortion, and so forth.
Identity Theft
As per the Federal Trade Commission report, more than one million people fell victim to the identity scam. These are just the official numbers; the actual numbers are bound to be higher as many refrain from reporting to the higher authorities due to guilt and shame.
Cyber criminals will gain sensitive information about their potential victims through hacking and phishing techniques. They will collect these details and may either themselves commit fraudulent activities or sell them on the dark web for a profit. Thus, if you fall victim to identity theft, the chances of someone using your details to commit crimes or fraudulent activities are rather high.
Cyberwarfare And Cyberspionage
Governments engage in warfare and espionage through state actors, as they have the necessary tools and resources to carry out such actions. These tactics are generally used to humiliate or embarrass their intended victims. They may do this by manipulating print and other social media platforms.
They may also engage in cyberattacks that can destroy sensitive files, steal them, or infiltrate the system for spying.
Cryptocurrency Scams
Every year, the amount of money lost in cryptocurrency scams is staggering. They keep on surging every year. Cybercriminals engage in cryptojacking, a method where they hijack their potential victims’ crypto mining rigs and steal the mined cryptos. Sometimes they will offer their victims the opportunity to mine these cryptos for a price. These victims are always at a loss as these charlatans take the lion’s share.
Downloading, Distributing, or Selling Illegal Items Or Content
Cyber criminals frequently steal copyrighted content and offer it to be downloaded from certain sites. These sites, along with illegal pornographic content, also offer corporate-sensitive details, malware, and illegal drugs to their users.
Cyberstalking
Cybercriminals frequently stalk their prey before conning them. These con artists will frequently gather all the information they can before carrying out their devious deeds. They will stalk, harass, and even intimidate their victims.
While these cybercriminals are known to stalk their known victims, others may engage in carrying out their nefarious deeds on those who fall on the opposite side of the political spectrum.
Cost and impact of cybercrime
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, cybercrimes increased by around 21% year on year in 2023, totaling more than $12.5 billion. These are just the official numbers; these numbers are bound to be higher as many avoid reporting the incident due to fear of being ridiculed and feeling ashamed.
Governments around the world acknowledge such threats and wish to combat them. However, due to poor coordination, it is quite challenging to implement such measures. The U.S. Government Accountability Office firmly believes that cooperation and necessary training between countries can help bring such cybercrimes down.
How to report a cybercriminal?
When you think that you have fallen victim to such cybercrimes, you need to take immediate action to minimize the impact of these internet scams.
Detailed Reports
You need to remember all the details that led to your realization that you might have fallen victim to a cybercrime.
Engaging With The Higher Authorities
Once you have made a detailed account of the cybercrime, you need to visit your local law enforcement department and file a complaint with them. Get in touch with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and provide them with the entire incident.
Contact the credit bureau and financial institutes and ask for your annual free report, and then check for any unauthorized transactions. Report them when you find one.
Tips to protect against cybercriminals
Although the chances of falling victim to cybercrime are high, you can minimize their impact by considering a few actions.
Password
Always make a habit of creating a stronger password. If you suspect your account has been hacked, change the password. Refrain from keeping the same password for all your accounts. If you find it challenging, then use a password generator app from a trusted and reputed firm.
Multi Authentication Factors
Try using a multi-factor authentication security feature on your accounts and smartphones. You get a one-time password, or OTP, on your device when you want to access your account. Such features offer an extra layer of security.
Software and AntiVirus
Regularly update the firmware of your electronic devices. It is a good idea to install a trusted and reputed anti-virus. You should also regularly update it. It will allow you to browse and download apps effectively. It also alerts you to malware while downloading certain software or apps online.
There are some antivirus programs that will also notify you if your sensitive data is floating on the dark web.
Phising
Cybercriminals are known to randomly send emails, messages, and texts to their potential victims. The body of the message contains a link that directs to a fake web page that will look legitimate. These fake websites will prompt you to fill in all your sensitive details. These cybercriminals will perpetuate the crime once these details are captured. This act of collecting sensitive details is called phishing.
Staying Informed
Since these fraudulent activities are common online, learning about them can help you avoid falling victim to them. Understand it and try to accumulate as much information on it as possible. There is no limit to the information that one can find online regarding this topic.
How To Be Safe From Cybercrime?
Anyone can fall victim to cybercrime, however, as most of us post our achievements on online social media platforms. Con artists are known to stalk their prey online. Refraining from sharing sensitive details on social media platforms with a stranger you met online and frequently updating the software and anti-virus programs can help minimize the probability of falling victim to cybercrime.
As most cybercrimes end with stealing financial assets, you must be careful about the details that you share with someone who is offering you a business opportunity.
FAQs About Cybercriminals
If you are still wondering “what is cybercrime” or “cybercrime definition,” the following frequently asked questions will put your mind at ease. Any crime committed online is a part of an internet scam.
What Is Cybercrime?
When anyone commits a crime using an electronic device or through the internet, it is called cybercrime. These crimes may vary from identity theft to sending malicious software that can infect the victim’s electronic device for ransom. Spreading lies that are politically motivated and providing illegal goods and services is also a part of cybercrime. They may work individually or with a team.
What Are The Common Cybercrime Examples?
Identity theft, creating and sending malicious software programs, credit and debit card frauds, unauthorized emails and social media platform access, data breaches, and compromised passwords are a few examples of cyber crimes.
What’s The Distinction Between A Hacker And A Cybercriminal?
Crimes involving electronic devices and/or the internet are called cybercrimes, and the person who perpetrates them is called a cybercrime, and the person who perpetrates them is called a cybercriminal.
Hackers, on the other hand, may work with government agencies and other businesses with the intent of finding loopholes in online security or software-protecting servers.
Do Cybercriminals Get Caught?
Of course, these cybercriminals do get caught. With the cooperation of countries, the chances of catching international cybercriminals are equally high.
Who Are The Most Common Victims Of Cybercrime?
Businesses such as healthcare, finance, research and development, and manufacturing firms are some of the prime targets of cybercrime. Apart from these, the FBI confirms that those individuals between 30 and 39 are also targeted by these cybercriminals frequently.
When anyone commits a crime using an electronic device or through the internet, it is called cybercrime. These crimes may vary from identity theft to sending malicious software that can infect the victim’s electronic device for ransom. Spreading lies that are politically motivated and providing illegal goods and services is also a part of cybercrime. They may work individually or with a team.
Identity theft, creating and sending malicious software programs, credit and debit card frauds, unauthorized emails and social media platform access, data breaches, and compromised passwords are a few examples of cyber crimes.
Crimes involving electronic devices and/or the internet are called cybercrimes, and the person who perpetrates them is called a cybercrime, and the person who perpetrates them is called a cybercriminal.
Hackers, on the other hand, may work with government agencies and other businesses with the intent of finding loopholes in online security or software-protecting servers.
Of course, these cybercriminals do get caught. With the cooperation of countries, the chances of catching international cybercriminals are equally high.
Businesses such as healthcare, finance, research and development, and manufacturing firms are some of the prime targets of cybercrime. Apart from these, the FBI confirms that those individuals between 30 and 39 are also targeted by these cybercriminals frequently.
