Cybercriminals - Overview, Types, Jobs

Computer systems have penetrated every industry, including education and working life, amusement, and social media. The result is that a great majority of people globally remain hooked up to the internet. That is where the risks begin! Being interconnected has excellent benefits, like close communication and spreading information, but crime has taken root too. Is it impossible to steal money from wallets and bank accounts with stolen passwords? That seems relatively easy for online criminals. While law enforcement agencies have succeeded in catching some of the small fish, the more prominent criminals manage to escape. Corruption is common, and bribes may thrive anywhere. Ransoms are demanded online after holding up data systems, just like in real life.

The Vast Expanse of Digital World

Imagine how extensive the online world has become after the covid pandemic! It feels as big as the universe, perhaps as big as the oceans and forests. Remembering the magic that AI, VR, AR, and ML have achieved, it is not hard to understand that the same immersive technology helps criminals. And then the dark web is where all the evil happens. It is known that money can buy anything, and everything has a price. Passwords and bank account numbers can be purchased too.

Several Types of Cybercrime Exist

Many types of cybercrime exist in the world. Let us know several kinds of cybercrimes in this section.

Dangers within organization

A present or past worker, business partner, or competitor could access the company accounts and database. Worse than external cyberattacks, it could be a nasty attack or someone accidentally revealing precious data. Further, a previous friend might have turned foe.

Scamming attacks

Such scams involve stealing money or other property like land and vehicles. The innocent user is easy to dupe with fake promises like offering to sell at small prices. Scammers pretend to be officials or businesspersons and use emails and phone calls to attract victims.

Working in groups

Hacking groups work together in a well-organized racket. They operate secretly and divide responsibilities, assembling software and scripts for hacking. They train others and form an association. Rather than the official web, such groups stay in the dark web conveniently.

Hacktivist Policy

Groups work together and combine hacking and activist principles for cyberattacks and share common ideas. Their aims could revolve around religious or political, social or anarchist reasons. Some groups work secretly, while others have fancy names like ‘Cult of the Dead Cow.’ They have an agenda usually pointed at a significant person or organization, government, or MNC. An aim might be leaking information or attracting attention to their cause for protest. Special digital tools often succeed.

Skiddies

Referred to as kids with little experience, they launch cyberattacks on computers and networks. They are compelled to depend upon the expertise of skilled cyber professionals. They follow simple procedures for hacking. The purpose is mostly for fun as a teenage game with no interest in monetary profits. They mainly attack school websites and gaming networks.

Government-sponsored attacks

Backed by governments, some hackers have been given the duty to attack persons, companies, or other governments. The motive is an illegal entry with the target of copying, influencing, creating, or altering data. Often backed by military agencies, they wield robust hacking expertise. They fear no action since they enjoy state backing. The authorities use the data collected to fulfill their personal goals.

Safety from Cybercriminals

Unlawful entry, infecting and changing data, and stealing usernames and passwords are common disruptions that could be costly. Cross-Site Scripting is one method of gaining illegal entry. How can the individual be safe? Avoiding the internet is unnecessary, but some common-sense approaches should work fine. Gaining awareness of cybersecurity should spread to everybody concerned. Try to improve your level and understanding of computer skills. Avoid unknown links and websites, and ignore what appear to be beautiful deals that sell at low prices. Don’t respond to phone calls from unknown numbers. Don’t enter sensitive information on websites that could be misused. Continually have updated anti-virus software installed.

Don’t download anything from unlicensed websites. Beware of phishing and malware. Money is not always at stake, but some want to damage reputations, stalk, and bully. Use solid and long passwords and include special characters. Use a virtual private network if not comfortable. Invest in firewalls and anti-malware.

Knowing about the Different Hats

Not all hats are evil, and not all pursue dreams of big money!

• Red Hat Hackers − and white hat hackers are similar. They wish to save people from harsh cyberattacks. Problems arise since they pursue the wrong policies. The use of unlawful methods to stop cybercrime cannot be justified. A red hat hacker helps strengthen cybersecurity and interferes with the black hat hacker attacks.

• Blue Hat Hackers − fall into two categories. Some are seeking revenge without interest in fame or money. They are out to punish those who wronged them and will not stop until they succeed. Blue hats may be security experts with ample skills to check network weaknesses. They help with penetration testing tests to improve security.

• Green Hat Hackers − are novices who are interested in growing their skills. Innocence might be a danger, and the result might be damage.

• Black Hat Hackers − are perfectly evil out to inflict significant damage on networks. It might be phishing, money fraud, stealing and selling personal data, ransomware, blackmail, etc.

• White Hat Hackers − are the reverse of the black hats! Very skilled, white hats belong to the good side that protects persons and organizations from the black hats. They are ethical hackers.

• Gray Hat Hackers − are not evil and do not practice malice. They might still hack a network to check on weaknesses without permission. Thus, they may find work to fix the fault. They see problems and offer solutions, improving cyber defenses.

Cybersecurity Job Responsibilities

A cybersecurity officer must combine both worlds with leadership, management, discipline, and teamwork. Further, technical knowledge in keeping with the latest software industry trends helps identify problems after cyberattacks and rectify them. Prevention may be the best cure but consider the rising attacks and the high levels of technology that allow both sides. Data systems are constantly exposed to the threat of attacks. Careful supervision, updated software, restricted access, and zero trust policy are some positive approaches that succeed.

Conclusion

Run the extra mile to develop an awareness of cybersecurity and how to enhance it on personal computers or office equipment. Seek professional help along with the massive materials available online for research. Feel optimistic about winning the game against cyber criminals. Remember that both sides are almost equally matched in technology. The lawful side enjoys a great advantage.