Cyber Crimes

A cyber criminal, also known as a hacker, is an individual or group that uses technology to commit illegal activities. Their illicit activities often involve the use of the internet and other network and communication systems, with the intention to steal, alter, or destroy specific data, often held within a network or computer system.

Cyber criminals may be motivated by a variety of factors, including profit, protest, or the challenge of breaching security systems. Their activities can have significant social, financial, and security implications, and they can range from stealing personal information and conducting financial fraud to launching attacks on critical infrastructure or spreading harmful software (malware).

Shopping list of crimes

Types of cyber crime include but are not limited to:

Phishing Attacks

This is one of the most common tactics. In a phishing attack, cybercriminals send fraudulent emails or other messages that appear to come from legitimate sources. The emails usually contain links or attachments that, when clicked, can lead to the theft of sensitive information.

Spear Phishing Attack

These are more targeted versions of phishing attacks. In spear phishing, the attacker carefully researches their victims and crafts personalized messages to increase the chance of tricking the victim into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware.

Malware Attacks

Malware is malicious software that can be used to steal sensitive information. For example, keyloggers can record keystrokes to capture passwords, while spyware can monitor and send back browsing activity and other data.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (MitM)

In a MitM attack, cybercriminals intercept and potentially alter the communication between two parties to steal data. For instance, they could intercept communication between a user and their online banking website to steal login credentials.

Rogue Software

Cybercriminals may create rogue software that masquerades as legitimate security software. When installed, the rogue software can steal sensitive information.

SQL Injection

This is a code injection technique, often found in database-driven websites. Attackers can use it to manipulate the site's database, often to gain unauthorized access to user data stored there.

Social Engineering

This is a broader term that encompasses various tactics where the attacker manipulates individuals into revealing confidential information. This can be accomplished through deceptive communication, impersonation, or exploiting the victim's trust.