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Understanding the notion of cyber crime is important in the digital age. This post seeks to explore 'what is cyber crime and examples', offering a comprehensive insight into this ever-growing world. Cyber crime refers to any crime that involves a computer and a network. The computer may be used in the commission of a crime, or it may be the target of the crime.
In its most straightforward form, cyber crime can be defined as an illegal activity that's conducted on the internet. It includes everything from downloading illegal music files to stealing millions of dollars from online bank accounts. Cyber crime also includes non-monetary offenses, such as creating and distributing viruses to other computers or posting confidential business information on the internet. Let's delve deeper to understand more.
There are two main categories of cyber crime: cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crimes. Cyber-dependent crimes can only be committed using computers, networks, or other forms of ICT. They include creating and propagating viruses, hacking to steal sensitive personal or industry data, and cyber terrorism. Cyber-enabled crimes can be committed without the use of ICT, though the use of the internet or other forms of ICT can facilitate these crimes. They include fraud, the purchase of illegal drugs and other goods, and stalking.
There is no shortage of real-world examples of cyber crime, with cases reported nearly every day. Some notable examples include:
In 2016, Yahoo confirmed it had been the target of what was then the largest data breach in history. The breach occurred in 2013, and it affected all 3 billion Yahoo accounts. The data stolen included names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, hashed passwords, and, in some cases, encrypted or unencrypted security questions and answers.
The WannaCry ransomware attack occurred in May 2017. The perpetrators used ransomware, a type of malicious software, to encrypt users' files and then demand a Bitcoin ransom to decrypt them. The attack affected over 200,000 computers across 150 countries and caused damages estimated in the billions of dollars.
In September 2017, the consumer credit reporting agency Equifax revealed that a breach had occurred, potentially exposing the personal data of 143 million individuals. The information stolen included Social Security numbers, birth dates, and addresses. In some instances, driver’s license numbers and credit card information were also revealed.
Given the enormity of these cyber crimes, countermeasures are essential. Cybersecurity efforts mainly focus on preventing unauthorized access to data. This includes both physical security measures like locked doors and biometrics, and online security measures such as firewalls, secure server hosting, anti-virus software, and protected databases.
Awareness is another important countermeasure. By being aware of the different types of cyber crime, individuals and businesses can take steps to protect themselves. This includes regularly changing passwords, not sharing sensitive information, and being aware of suspicious online activity.
Legal countermeasures are also important. There are laws in many countries aimed at combating cyber crime, but enforcing these laws can be difficult due to the global nature of the internet. International cooperation is necessary to bring cyber criminals to justice.
In conclusion, understanding 'what is cyber crime and examples' can help individuals and businesses protect themselves from becoming victims. Cyber crime is a serious and growing problem, but with appropriate countermeasures and a proactive approach to digital security, it is possible to reduce the risk and mitigate the impact of these crimes. It is essential to remain vigilant, stay informed about the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, and take proactive measures to secure your digital environments against cyber criminals.
SubRosa is a cybersecurity solutions provider specializing in cyber assessments and risk and compliance.
