A Guide to Understanding Cyber Crime

What is Cyber-Crime?

The classification of ‘Cyber-Crime’ is a colloquial determination of criminal activity conducted through the facilitation of a computer network, virtual setting, telecommunications network, online sector, or through the use of the Internet. Cyber-Crime can take place in conjunction with a variety of related criminal activity.

The Setting of Cyber-Crime

Cyber-Crime primarily separates itself from criminal activity taking place within a tangible, or physical, setting, due to the fact that the usage of a virtual network allows for heightened anonymity with regard both to those who facilitate Cyber-Crime, as well as those victimized by it. Due to the growing reliance and utilization of the Internet, as well as a variety of additional virtual settings, digital communication systems allow for remote correspondence and communication in lieu of direct, personal contact.

Abuse as Cyber-Crime

Cyber-Crime that is classified as abuse involves the expression of damaging, defacing, insulting, or prejudicial sentiments and activity.

Cyber-Bullying is a Cyber-Crime resulting in the abuse taking place within a digital setting. Cyber-Bullying typically involves child victims below the age of legal adulthood.

A Cyber-Crime that is sexual in nature results in the participation or engagement in sexually-predatory or sexually-exploitative behavior through the facilitation of the Internet, including the ownership, transmission, or receipt of illicit and illegal pornography. In addition, this type of Cyber-Crime may also involve the solicitation of a minor with regard to the participation of unlawful and exploitative sexual activity.

The Cyber-Crime known as ‘Hacking’ is defined as the unlawful entry into the computer terminal, database, or digital record system belonging to another individual. Hacking is conducted with the intent to commit a crime. This may manifest itself through programs or software created with the expressed intention to infiltrate a computer terminal belonging to another individual rendering the damage, intrusion, and destruction of virtual property.

Cyber-Stalking is a form of harassment that occurs within a virtual setting, which results in harm, fear, or discomfort experienced on the part of a victim. This type of Cyber-Crime undertakes the intrusive, inappropriate observance of the virtual, online-based activity of another individual through the use of a computer or online network.

Larceny as Cyber-Crime

Larceny, or theft, taking place within a virtual setting is considered to be the overarching classification for Cyber-Crime involving fraud, solicitation, and theft.

The Cyber-Crime known as identity theft is the criminal act of illegally and deceptively assuming the identity of another individual without their expressed consent with the intent of committing a crime. The obtainment of personal information as a result of fraudulent means through the usage of unsecured websites is amongst the most common Cyber-Crimes.

The unlawful, unauthorized transmission of digital, copyrighted media and intellectual property through online networks utilizing the illegal sharing of copyrighted material is amongst one of the most common types of Cyber-Crime.

Cyber-Crime that involves the intentional defrauding of individuals through misrepresentation and solicitation includes Phishing, Spamming, and Spyware. These types of crime primarily rely on a trusting or unsuspecting victim.

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