Cybercrime Affects More Than 431 Million Adult Victims Globally
Cybercrime affects more than 431 million adult victims around the world. Since the internet has become such an integral part of governments, businesses, and the lives of millions of people, cyberspace has become an ideal place, allowing criminals to remain anonymous while they prey on victims.
The most common forms of cybercrime are offences related to identity, such as malware, hacking, and phishing. Criminals use these methods of cybercrime to steal money and credit card information. Additionally, cybercriminals use the internet for crimes related to child pornography, abuse material, and intellectual and copyright property.
As technology advances, criminals are finding it much easier to perform a cybercrime; advanced techniques and skills to perpetrate threats are no longer required. For instance, software that allows criminals to override passwords and locate access points of computers are easily purchased online. Unfortunately, the ability to find cyber criminals is becoming more difficult.
Cybercrime is a rapidly growing business, exceeding $3 trillion a year. Victims and perpetrators are located anywhere in the world. The effects of cybercrime are seen across societies, stressing the need for a pressing and strong international response.
However, many countries do not have the capacity or regulations to combat cybercrime. A global effort is required to make available firmer regulations and improved protection because cyber criminals hide within legal loopholes in countries with less stringent regulation.
Criminals perpetrate a cybercrime by taking advantage of a country’s weak security measures. Additionally, the lack of cooperation between developing and developed countries can also result in safe havens for individuals and groups who carry out a cybercrime.
The United Nations is actively involved in fighting cybercrime. The organization set up the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) following the 12th Crime Congress to study cybercrime. The UNODC is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime.
Cybercrime affects one million victims every single day. More than 431 million people are affected by cybercrime, that’s 14 adult victims every second.
In addition, there are up to 80 million automated hacking attacks every day. The most common and fastest growing forms of consumer fraud on the Internet are identity-related offences, especially through the misuse of credit card information.
Learning online protection methods is one of the simplest means of defense from becoming victim to a cybercrime. When purchasing products online, always be aware of the trustworthiness of the websites.
Avoid using public computers for anything that requires a credit card payment. By all means, be sure online purchases and banking are facilitated with a fully legitimate and safe business.
Computers should have up-to-date security software; choose strong passwords, and do not open suspicious emails or special offers that ask for personal information, which are often in the form of sales, contests, or fake banks.
Internet-related crime, like any other crime, should be reported to appropriate law enforcement investigative authorities at the local, state, federal, or international levels, depending on the scope of the crime.
Citizens who are aware of federal crimes should report them to local offices of federal law enforcement. Contact the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) or Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for more information on reporting a cybercrime.
[Featured image courtesy of Sean Gallup/Getty Images]
