Cybercrime

Cybercrime

The internet and new technologies are providing tremendous opportunities; however, they also provide opportunities for criminals to carry out new crimes or old crimes in novel ways. Cybercrime is one such crime. It involves using technology or computers to commit crimes (Aghatise, 2006). The computer can be used as a tool for committing a crime, or it can be a targeted victim. In addition, these crimes are committed by a specific group of criminals who exhibit technical knowledge in computers or information technology (Aghatise, 2006). Cybercrime is increasing rapidly due to advancements in information technology and internet expansion. It is increasingly aggressive. Globally, over one million cyberspace users are victims of cybercrime every day (Meško, 2018).

Moreover, cybercrimes include “hacking, morphing, spoofing, tampering the computer sources, obscene publication, trojan attacks, phishing, cyber stalking, cyber pornography, cyber defamation, cyber bullying, e-mail harassment, cyber blackmailing, cyber threatening, cyber murder, cyber terrorism and abetment of such offences” (Manacorda et al., 2012). The patterns and trends of cybercrime include the development of cases where the victim becomes an offender. Notably, the victims seek assistance to hack the criminal’s e-mail or social media accounts. The second trend involves instances where the victims cause their own victimization. Individuals tend to ignore safety precautions while on the internet. Accordingly, cybercriminals take advantage of the victim’s innocence and greed, especially in the cases of phishing and money mules (Manacorda et al., 2012).

The third trend is increased smartphone victimization. The Bluetooth, wireless, and internet connections that come with smartphones provide similar chances of victimization compared to computer users. Notably, malware on smartphone platforms is targeted at Android phones, which has doubled since 2009 (Manacorda et al., 2012). Fourth, since children and teenagers are curious, they are vulnerable to cyber victimization as online criminals may exploit their curiosity. Factors that have led to the rapid growth of cybercrime include technological advancements, increased numbers of people online, evolved scams, the evolving online criminals in terms of information technology, and the fact that hackers can work from anywhere since cybercrime does not require physical presence.

References

Aghatise, J. (2006). Cybercrime Definition. Cyber Crime. Retrieved 6 May 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265350281_Cybercrime_definition.

Manacorda, S., Flor, R., & Jang, J. (2012). Cybercriminality: Finding a Balance between Freedom and Security. ISPAC.

Meško, G. (2018). On Some Aspects of Cybercrime and cybervictimization. European Journal of Crime, Criminal Law and Criminal Justice, 26(3), 189-199. https://doi.org/10.1163/15718174-02603006

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Summarize the term “cyber crime” according to the textbook.

Cybercrime

Describe trends in cyber-victimization and examine what factors led to the growth of cybercrime over the past few decades.