Cybercrime is any criminal activity that’s committed through the use of a computer, particularly to illegally access, transmit, or manipulate data.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), “Cyber attacks are becoming more commonplace, more dangerous, and more sophisticated.”
Keep reading to learn about five of the most common cybercrimes in the U.S.
5 Common Cyber Crimes
According to a study conducted by the cybersecurity experts at Norton, the top five cybercrimes are as follows:
- Malware
- Debit or credit card fraud
- Data breaches
- Compromised passwords
- Unauthorized email and social media access
Details About the Top 5
#1 - Malware
According to the aforementioned Norton study, 57% of surveyed respondents stated they or someone they knew had a device compromised by a virus or another security breach. This includes any of the following:
- Secretly downloaded malware from visiting a spoofed site
- Being a victim of ransomware
#2 - Debit or Credit Card Fraud
A total of 47% of survey respondents have been victimized by this type of cybercrime. This kind of crime includes any of the following:
- Having your card number stolen by entering it on a fake website
- A hacker eavesdrops on a public Wi-Fi network that you’re using
#3 - Data Breaches
At least 54% of U.S. consumers have reported that their personal information was involved in a data breach. When this happens, if enough personal information is leaked (social security number, birth date, or home address), it could be sold on the Dark Web for cybercriminals to do the following:
- Apply for credit cards in your name
- Rack up medical bills
- Destroy your credit
#4 - Compromised Passwords
A total of 40% of survey respondents have had their online account passwords compromised. It’s never a good idea to share your passwords!
#5 - Unauthorized Access
No less than 40% of survey respondents detected unauthorized access to or hacking of an email or social media account. This is possible if you forget to log out on a shared device or if someone virulently hacks into your account.
Being accused of cybercrime is a serious offense and should be treated as such. At Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, our team of experienced Texas computer crimes defense attorneys has been helping individuals return to their best lives possible for many years.
We understand that you likely feel lost following your cybercrime conviction, and we want you to know that we’re here to help answer any questions you have.
Contact us today at (214) 238-9392 to learn more about how we can help over a confidential case evaluation.