It is alarming to hear that the cases of cybercrime activities are still increasing nowadays. Even at this unfortunate crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, many hackers are taking advantage of phishing techniques to lure and hack individuals, businesses, or companies.
Enterprises are at most careful when adapting to a work from home environment. Bringing business and corporate information in a public or unsecured network will heighten the chances of being penetrated by illegal hackers.
These hackers aim to collect vital, personal, or company information and use it for any malicious activities such as theft and fraud, where they can profit from it.
Unauthorized access to digital space and information is also a crime that can be punished with the governing law.
Let us learn more by understanding and defining cybercrime and what happens to convicted cybercriminals.
Computer Crime
Computer crime covers several types of offenses. In general, any crime that targets, involves, or uses a computer in committing a crime falls under this crime category.
Some state laws apply to computer crime but differ in every country.
When a person commits a computer crime, he will be covered under the state or federal law such as the following:
Unlawful access or use this when you access someone else’s computer without authorization or permission.
Access for fraud intentions, using computers, software, or network with fraudulent intentions to obtain services or goods.
Child pornography, one of the most vigilant crimes to make, hold, or transmit videos or images that involves child pornography. Any action that involves harmful or inappropriate to watch.
Even with the authorization to use the computer, data theft can still commit a crime when you steal, copy, alter, or damage data information that you are not allowed to use.
Internet Crime
While computer crime involves several activities, internet crime refers to specified activities involving the internet. The law covers websites, emails, identity theft, and fraud. Both the state and federal laws apply to internet crime. Here are some of the internet crimes.
Stalking, bullying, and harassment, these are examples of criminal threats that can happen on the internet. This is punishable by law, even if the threat is not credible.
Other and new laws involve state and federal crimes that are applied to the computer or the internet. Because of the advancement of hacking techniques, the law also adapts to the circumstances of events.
Soliciting and luring children is an internet crime where 18 years old and below are involved. This includes communication to a minor aged child, engaging in inappropriate or sexual acts, or just intentions.
What could happen to a convicted cybercriminal?
Laws differ from different state and country. Doing cybercriminal activities can cause penalties, such as:
Fines, where it differs from the range of malicious activities done. Fines range from $1,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the damage.
Imprisonment or jail is given to any person who committed computer or internal related crimes. The most serious crime is child pornography, which can result in 20 years or more of imprisonment.
Probation is given in addition to whoever committed the crime. Some states cover at least 1 year of probationary for a person not to commit more crimes.
Career Opportunity
Many IT professionals say cybersecurity is one of the most challenging yet satisfying careers. If you are one of those passionate computer enthusiasts or interested to be a part of a growing community.
You can start with us at Reliable Cyber Solution, LLC. We have cybersecurity learning courses and certifications to properly equip you in your chosen career. Visit our website now at RCyberSolutions.
