In today’s technologically fast world, cybercrime is a major problem that we all face. Cybercrime is continuously growing and criminals are getting their hands on people’s personal information and misusing it for their own gains.
Currently, cybercrime rates are reaching their peak which results in companies losing billions of dollars. The internet is such a vast place and it is getting easier day by day to gain access to most things on the internet. This results in hackers and other criminals finding a way to misuse user information.
Government agencies are taking a lot of action to stop cybercrime. However, it continues to grow. Therefore, you should learn how to protect yourself from such scams and criminal activities. To do so, you should know about the different categories of cybercrime.
This article covers everything that you need to know to keep yourself safe. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive straight in.
What Is Cybercrime?
In simple terms, cybercrime is any criminal action that involves the use of a computer or any networked device. The crime is performed using a computer and the victims too are those who find themselves on such devices.
Cybercrimes are mostly done by hackers and/or other individuals who want to make some cash. However, in the rare moments when this is not the case, the reasons for cybercrime could be personal and/or political. Moreover, such criminal activities can also be done by individuals or single organizations.
There are different types of cybercriminals involved in the crime. Some are highly experienced, work in an organized manner and use highly developed technology. However, on the other hand, some are just amateur hackers.
What Are The Categories Of Cybercrime?
There are three main categories of cybercrime. These categories are as follows:
- Individual
- Property
- Government
Individual
This class of cybercrime is concerned with one individual dispersing malevolent or illicit data on the web. For example, cyberstalking, pornography and trafficking.
Property
This category involves a criminal illicitly having a person’s bank or charge card information. Through this personal information, the cybercriminal can gain entry to financial reserves and assets, can buy things on the internet or run phishing tricks to get individuals to disclose their personal information. In addition to this, they could also utilize vindictive programming to gain entry to a website page with private data.
Government
Although this category of cybercrime is not at all common, it is the most severe violation. Since it is carried out against the government, it is termed as cyberterrorism. Examples of cyberterrorism are hacking government websites, military websites or spreading misinformation. Cybercriminals involved in such practice are typically terrorists or rival governments of other countries.
What Are The Different Types Of Cybercrime?
Now that we have understood what a serious offense cybercrime is, we also learn of its types. The different types of cybercrime activities include the following:
Phishing scams
Phishing scams consist of cybercriminals like hackers sending malicious emails or URLs to users to internet users in order to gain entry to their accounts or computers. Due to how common cybercrime is becoming, these emails are not marked as spam. Moreover, hackers use devious techniques, like making you believe you need to change your password, in order to get your account information. Once these hackers have data such as your password, it is not difficult for them to get access to more personal information and use that to exploit you.
Online scams
Online scams usually include spam emails or ads that offer big rewards and a hefty sum of money. Online scams consist of very appealing offers. However, when you click on them, it will cause malicious software to enter your computer and jeopardize or gain access to personal information.
Identity thefts
Identity thefts when a hacker is able to receive your personal information to embezzle funds, get personal information, or be involved in tax or health insurance extortion. Moreover, they may also create accounts on the internet under your name and then use those very accounts to plot criminal activities and take advantage of government policies. Identity thefts are possible by gaining access to information via phishing and other online crimes.
Online Harassment
Online harassment consists of threats, bullying and/or sexual passes. Online harassment is usually done on social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and can be easily reported.
Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking is also a type of online harassment where tonnes of inappropriate online messages and emails are sent to the victim. Usually, cyberstalkers use social media, websites and search engines to send threats to the victim. Thus, making the victim feel scared and concerned for his/her safety.
Illegal Content
Illegal content is when hackers and other cybercriminals share and circulate improper material that can be viewed as profoundly upsetting and hostile. This content consists of (but is not limited to), child pornography, adult pornography, and videos recording extreme violence, brutality, and crime. You can find such material on the regular internet and on the dark web also.
PUPs
Potentially Unwanted Programs, known as PUPs for short, are a type of malicious software. Although they are not very alarming, they still uninstall important software from your computer.. Therefore, it is always a better idea to install an antivirus into your computer to prevent such mishappenings. In this way, you can also use your computer without worrying about malwares.
DDoS attacks
DDoS attacks render an online service unavailable. They take down a specific site or network by driving a huge number of traffic to these sites. Botnets are created this way and the hacker can gain access to the system while it is temporarily unavailable.
Botnets
Botnets are networks from compromised computers that are controlled externally by remote hackers. The remote hackers then send spam or attack other computers through these botnets. Botnets can also be used to act as malware and perform malicious tasks.
Exploit kits
Exploit kits are already existing tools that criminals purchase online and utilize against anyone with a computer. The moment a hacker finds a weak point, he/she can use exploit kits to gain access to your computer, thus also receiving personal data and information. The exploit kits are continuously improved just like normal software. Moreover, they are also present on dark web hacking forums.
Social Engineering
Social engineering includes hackers reaching you via telephone or email. They generally act like a customer care operator so you are bound to give the necessary data required. This is typically a pin code, the organization you work for, or detailed bank information. Cybercriminals will discover what they can about you through the internet and social media sites and afterward endeavor to include you as a friend on social media. When they access a record, they can sell your data or secure accounts under your name.
Examples Of Cyber Crime
One of the biggest cybercrime examples was seen in 2013-2016, when Yahoo encountered a violation of data which resulted in the stealing of 3 billion user accounts. The hackers got access to personal data and passwords which helped them access other online accounts as well.
Moreover, another incident took place in 2016, when the greatest ever distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack was carried out. The hackers used one million connected computers that were vulnerable due to a malware. The attack resulted in blackouts in the global domain name system (DNS) and the interruption of many popular services like Netflix, Twitter, and PayPal.
How To Report Cybercrime?
It is very important for you to immediately report instances of cyber crime to keep those around you safe from any trouble.
Cybercrime types like online harassment and cyberstalking can be reported to the respective social media sites. These sites can then deal with the cybercriminal by taking down his/her account.
However, in more serious situations, you should report the cybercrime activity to a government organization that deals with these activities.
How To Protect Yourself From Cybercrime?
Cybercrime can often pose a huge threat. Imagine someone stealing your personal information and using it against you? Or worse, carrying out criminal activities under your name? Nobody wants that to happen to them. Therefore, you must know about tips that could protect you from scams and other cybercrime activity. Do not forget to share these tricks with your loved ones to keep them safe as well. Follow the given tips to keep yourself protected:
- Always use the most up-to-date version of your software and operating system.
- Always use an updated anti-virus software.
- It is essential to use solid, unrecognizable passwords.
- Do not open any attachments sent by a spam email or by someone you don’t know.
- Do not try to access any links sent by a spam email or in an unknown website.
- Do not deliver personal data unless you are sure that the email or call line is safe.
- Always communicate directly with a company about suspicious requests.
- Make sure that the URL of the website you want to access looks authentic.
- Keep track of your bank statement for any strange transactions.
Conclusion
Cybercrime is an extremely serious issue that the world faces. Now that you know about it, you must always report it. Let us start now to make this world a safer place for all.
