Cybercrime is one area of crime with many blurred lines and, more often than not, confusion. Because the world of technology is continually evolving and changing, the rules around cybercrime are constantly adapting, too. Despite these many grey areas surrounding cybersecurity and crimes committed on the internet, there are a number of known crimes which are cut and dry, like identity theft and child pornography. This article will dive deeper into the details surrounding cybercrime, as well as some cybercrime statistics that might surprise you.
What Is Considered Cybercrime?
Cybercrime, or internet crime, encompasses any illegal activities conducted over the internet. Crimes can range from a minor fine to federal convictions, even life sentences in severe cases. Because the internet is so vast, many different types of cybercrimes can be committed, including issues involving computer use, targeted hardware, and local area networks. Listed below are the three categories that cybercrimes typically fall under.
- Crimes Against People: Cybercrimes that impact an individual, such as stalking, identity theft, online harassment, and more.
- Crimes Against Property: These crimes impact an object or piece of property, such as servers or computers, including hacking, virus transmission, copyright infringement, and more.
- Crimes Against Government: Any virtual crimes that violate a nation’s sovereignty, such as cyberterrorism, online piracy, hacking confidential information, and more.
If you’ve been convicted of cybercrime, your defense strategy will vary based on what type of internet crime is said to have been committed. Crimes against people, property, and the government all have differing severities and consequences. Any time you’re facing a criminal charge, including for a cybercrime, you will want an experienced team of attorneys on your side.
Common Cybercrimes
Before we dive into current cybercrime statistics, it’s crucial to fully understand what cybercrime is. The most common internet crimes include:
- Hacking
- Fraud
- Identity theft
- Phishing
- Cyberattacks
- Cyberstalking, harassment, and bullying
- Child pornography
- Solicitation of minors
- Money laundering
- Password trafficking
- Information theft
Additionally, most cybercrimes fit under one of two categories: white-collar crimes and criminal sexual misconduct. The charges for these crimes, whether they include fines or jail times, can vary. They may be handled in state or federal court and can carry lifelong consequences for those charged. Often, a criminal appeal is necessary when innocent people are convicted of a crime they were wrongly accused of or didn’t commit.
White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes that are committed online can include fraud, identity theft, and embezzlement. Often they involve an online shop, website, social network, or internet service provider. Most white-collar crimes that happen over the internet result in hefty fines for those accused.
Criminal Sexual Misconduct
Criminal sexual misconduct is a grave offense, including when it occurs over the internet. Many law enforcement agencies spend time and money on resources to find and prosecute alleged sexual offenders online. Internet sex crimes can include solicitation or enticement of a minor, possession or distribution of illegal pornography, prostitution, and solicitation of prostitution. Even though the crime happens online, it still carries substantial prison sentences, fines, and even the possibility of lifelong sex offender registration.
Surprising Cybercrime Statistics
Now that you know more about cybercrime and how vast it can be, let’s discuss statistics. Internet crime doesn’t discriminate against industries or people. It can affect anyone. On the flip side, people can be framed or charged for cybercrimes they did not commit. If this happens, contact a lawyer right away. Here are some critical statistics regarding cybercrime.
- Almost 90% of worldwide organizations reported data breaches in 2020. (Varonis)
- An estimated 86% of internet crimes are financially motivated. (Verizon)
- Over 93% of healthcare organizations reported at least one security breach in the last three years. (Retarus)
- Every minute, $2,900,000 is lost to cybercrime. (Retarus)
- 95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error. (Cybint)
- 86% of breaches were financially motivated and 10% were motivated by espionage. (Verizon)
- 45% of breaches featured hacking, 17% involved malware and 22% involved phishing. (Verizon)
- The healthcare industry lost an estimated $25 billion to ransomware attacks in 2019. (SafeAtLast)
- The U.S. government saw 1.2 billion records breached in 2018. (Purplesec)
- 34% of data breaches involved internal actors. (Varonis)
- Hackers attack every 39 seconds. (University of Maryland)
- The average cost per lost or stolen record is $146 per individual.
From these statistics, it is clear that cybercrime doesn’t discriminate against anyone. It can also be an extremely costly crime that affects the financial status of individuals and companies.
Defense Strategies for Cybercrime Cases
If you or someone you know has been charged with a cybercrime they didn’t commit or have been wrongfully accused of, it’s crucial to contact an experienced internet crime lawyer right away. Several defense strategies can be used to prove your innocence or a lack of involvement. Thankfully, cybercrime lawyers like those at CJB Law are aware of these defense strategies and can create a plan to help you win your case. Listed below are the most common defense strategies for internet crimes.
- Proving you have been wrongfully accused of the crime.
- Proving you were an unknowing participant in cybercrime.
- Proving you were the victim of mistaken identity due to clerical errors or mistakes in identifying information.
- Proving the evidence against you has been illegally obtained, especially after police or investigators execute an unlawful search.
- Proving you were the victim of entrapment by an entity with greater power.
Those who have been convicted of cybercrime shouldn’t fret. There are many defense strategies, including the ones above, that can help prove their innocence. Our attorneys can gather evidence and helpful documents to create a strong court case.
Understanding Cybercrimes
If you or a loved one has been accused of a cybercrime, it’s best to act quickly so that critical evidence is preserved and your attorney can create a strong case. Hiring a lawyer with knowledge of internet crimes and the law is essential. Thankfully, CJB Law is here for those who have been convicted of cybercrime. We represent criminal defendants in Fergus Falls, Otter Tail County, and throughout Minnesota. No matter what kind of cybercrime charge you’re facing, we can help.