Introduction
Cyber crime, also known as computer crime, is any illegal activity that involves a computer or network-connected device. It encompasses a wide range of offenses, from financial fraud to identity theft and cyber bullying.
Types of Cyber Crimes
- Phishing
- Ransomware
- Hacking
- Data Breaches
- Malware
Examples of Cyber Crimes
One prominent example of cyber crime is the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, which affected hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide. Another example is the Equifax data breach in 2017, where hackers stole sensitive information of millions of customers.
Case Studies
In the case of the Target data breach in 2013, hackers gained access to payment information of 40 million customers through malware installed on the company’s point-of-sale systems. This breach cost Target millions in damages and lost customers.
Statistics
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, cyber crimes resulted in $3.5 billion in losses in 2019 alone. Phishing attacks accounted for the most significant losses, with $57 million reported.
Preventing Cyber Crimes
- Use strong passwords
- Update software regularly
- Be cautious of emails from unknown sources
- Secure your Wi-Fi network
- Monitor your financial accounts regularly
