Cybercrime
Cybercrime is any illegal activity that uses computers, networks, or digital devices to commit crimes such as fraud, identity theft, or harassment, or to attack systems. These attacks can target individuals, businesses, or governments, aiming to steal data, disrupt operations, or achieve financial gain through methods like malware, phishing, and ransomware.
What it is: Cybercrime involves the criminal use of a computer or network to further illegal objectives. It encompasses a wide range of malicious activities, from spreading viruses to hacking into corporate systems. The term "cyber" signifies the connection to the internet or electronics, while "crime" denotes the illegal act.
Examples of Cybercrime:
Data breaches: Gaining unauthorized access to steal sensitive information.
Malware and viruses: Installing malicious software to damage or disable systems.
Phishing: Using deceptive emails or messages to trick people into revealing personal information.
Ransomware: Demanding payment to unlock a victim's data or computer.
Identity Theft: Stealing and using another person's identity for illegal purposes.
Denial of Service (DoS) attacks: Overwhelming a system with traffic to make it unavailable.