Cybercrime is any criminal activity involving computers, computer networks, or networked devices.
Cybercriminals use the anonymity and convenience of modern technology to commit crimes against individuals, businesses, and even governments. While most attackers commit cybercrimes for financial gain, some do so for other reasons such as political beliefs or personal grudges.
Cybercrime is a broad term covering a range of illicit activities — and can work in many different ways. However, it often involves some cyberattack, whereby an attacker targets a person or an organization.
Cybercriminals may use various techniques and tools to get what they want — from deceptive phishing emails to sophisticated malware. Cybercrime can lead to financial loss or cause reputational damage for its victims.
It can even threaten national security when targeting critical infrastructure and government systems.
Cybercrime can be split into two categories — where computers are the target vs. where they serve as tools to commit the crime.
Breaking into computer systems or networks to steal sensitive information, spread malware, or disrupt operations.
Hidden malicious software in files or scripts to secretly infect devices and steal sensitive information.
Encrypting victim's files and demanding ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.
Flooding a network with fake internet traffic to make it unavailable to users.
Illegally accessing and stealing sensitive information from a system or network.
Looking for gaps in network or software security to gain unauthorized access.
Using malware that hijacks your operating system to mine cryptocurrency without permission.
Deceiving people into sharing sensitive information by impersonating legitimate organizations.
According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, these are the most frequently reported cybercrimes:
Cybercriminals impersonate legitimate organizations to deceive people into sharing sensitive information through malicious links or fake websites.
Unauthorized access to databases containing personal, financial, or confidential business information affecting millions of users.
Online fraud where victims pay for goods or services that are never delivered, or sellers don't receive payment for delivered items.
Threats to release sensitive information, launch attacks, or cause harm unless the victim pays money or meets other demands.
Fraudulent investment opportunities promising high returns with little risk, often targeting vulnerable individuals through social media.
Cybercrime can affect anyone — even tech-savvy people can sometimes fall prey to cybercriminals. Here's what our research shows:
A staggering number of Americans have been victims of cybercrime during Black Friday shopping events.
Cybercriminals may correctly guess credit card numbers in just 6 seconds using automated tools.
Hackers could earn over 17 million USD by selling stolen data on the dark web marketplace.
"We think it won't happen to us — until it does. Cybercrime is a widespread global problem that affects our everyday lives." - VPN Master Pro Research Lab
Cybercrime has a severe impact on organizations, individuals, and governments.
Cybercrime can have a serious impact on individuals. Victims may lose money, experience emotional distress, and have to deal with legal repercussions. Their reputation may be damaged, and it may take years to recover.
Businesses targeted by cybercriminals typically experience financial loss and disruption of services. Organizations may also lose customers and experience severe reputation damage.
When government agencies become cyber warfare targets, these incidents impact national security. They may disrupt essential services, create nationwide chaos, and weaken defenses.
Cybercrime can affect anyone — but you're much less likely to become a victim if you have good cyber hygiene.
Always use strong, trustworthy antivirus software. Consider using firewalls to monitor traffic. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication where possible.
Regularly backup important data, use encryption for sensitive files, and be cautious about what personal information you share online.
Use a VPN for secure browsing, especially on public WiFi. Keep your home router secure with strong passwords and regular firmware updates.
Keep software up to date with security patches. Lock devices when not in use. Always wipe data before selling or recycling devices.
Take infected devices offline to stop cybercriminals from sending remote instructions.
Check all important accounts for suspicious activity to determine which ones have been compromised.
Contact banks and credit card companies immediately to block recent transactions.
Update all passwords and use antivirus tools to detect infected files.
Note the date, time, and other information about the cybercrime for reporting purposes.
Notify authorities once you're out of immediate danger. Contact local police or cybercrime organizations.
Tell your employer about the incident to warn them against potential corporate attacks.
Consult IT professionals for data recovery and learn from the experience for future protection.
30-day money-back guarantee
Get VPN Master ProLegally, cybercrime is defined as any criminal activity that involves computers, computer networks, or networked devices as either the target or the tool of the crime. This includes crimes committed entirely in digital spaces as well as traditional crimes that use technology as a facilitating tool.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but computer crime typically refers to crimes targeting computer systems directly, while cybercrime is a broader term that includes any criminal activity involving digital technology, networks, or the internet.
Cybercrime is challenging to solve due to anonymity tools, cross-border jurisdiction issues, rapidly evolving technology, lack of digital evidence preservation, and the technical expertise required for investigation. Criminals can operate from anywhere in the world while targeting victims in different countries.
Cybercrime began in the 1960s with the first computer hacking incidents. However, it became more widespread with the growth of personal computers in the 1980s and exploded with the advent of the internet in the 1990s. Today, it continues to evolve with new technologies.
Yes, cybercrime is rapidly increasing. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reports significant year-over-year increases in both the number of complaints and financial losses. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend as more activities moved online.