Nature and Types of Cyber Crime

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary cyber threat to organizations currently?

Infostealer activity

Business email compromise

Supply chain attacks

Ransomware (correct)

What is the median dwell time for ransomware from initial access to payload delivery?

48 hours

12 hours

72 hours

24 hours (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a vector for initial access of ransomware?

Drive-by downloads

Stolen credentials

Physical device theft (correct)

Phishing emails

What has business email compromise been noted for in relation to financial damage?

It has a higher aggregate of losses compared to ransomware. Signup and view all the answers

Which malware type has seen increased use as a precursor to ransomware attacks?

Infostealer Signup and view all the answers

What do supply chain attacks aim to achieve?

Access to the suppliers’ customers Signup and view all the answers

What element is crucial in identifying a cyber threat?

Knowing the adversary and their tactics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a factor contributing to the increase in cyber threats?

Intensification of remote work Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between crimes that target computer networks and crimes that use networks to commit other crimes?

Targeted attacks involve threats like viruses, while other crimes include identity theft and fraud. Signup and view all the answers

In which situation can cyber terrorism be classified?

As violence resulting in loss of life through cyberspace. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes cyber extortion as defined in the content?

The demand for money in exchange for stopping repeated attacks. Signup and view all the answers

How is cyber warfare distinct from other forms of cybercrime?

It requires governmental involvement and relates to military operations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about internet fraud is accurate?

Internet fraud consists of various deceptive actions conducted in cyberspace. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common motivation behind crimes that use computer networks to commit illegal activities?

Financial gain through fraud and deception. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cybercrime involves threats posed to a nation’s security?

Cyber terrorism employing violent acts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method through which cyber extortion is typically executed?

Offering protections without any prior attacks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary motive of hacker groups as described in the content?

To steal money and information Signup and view all the answers

Which group is specifically known for using cyberattacks to promote political agendas?

Hacktivists Signup and view all the answers

What is a technique used by attackers for maintaining access to a system after a reboot?

Creating a scheduled task Signup and view all the answers

Which category does the technique of communicating over uncommon ports to evade detection belong to?

Command and control Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups primarily sells user information obtained without consent?

Data Brokers Signup and view all the answers

What common tactic do nation-states utilize according to the content?

Spying on other nations Signup and view all the answers

What does the term persistence refer to in the context of cyber threats?

Maintaining access over time Signup and view all the answers

Which group is most likely to use cyber threats to create fear and disrupt government operations?

Terrorist Groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

To protect systems even if login details are compromised. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial step in a three-point plan to prevent ransomware attacks?

Debriefing to identify plan gaps. Signup and view all the answers

Why is endpoint protection essential for end-user devices?

End-user devices are frequent targets for cybercriminals. Signup and view all the answers

What does a filtering policy aim to achieve in XSS attack prevention?

To catch malicious scripts before they can execute. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key benefit of a threat intelligence program for security organizations?

It centralizes knowledge and data on high-priority threats. Signup and view all the answers

How do deception technologies help in cybersecurity?

By tricking attackers into engaging with dummy systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of relying on automation in a threat intelligence program?

It might overlook nuanced threats requiring analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for protecting systems against cyber threats?

Encouraging users to share credentials. Signup and view all the answers

What is the punishment for hacking a computer system with malicious intentions under Section 66 of the Information Technology Act, 2000?

3 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 5,00,000 Signup and view all the answers

Under which section is the act of publishing obscene information punishable with up to 5 years imprisonment?

Section 67 Signup and view all the answers

What does Section 66F of the Information Technology Act, 2000 specifically address?

Cyber terrorism Signup and view all the answers

Which section holds a corporate body liable for failing to implement reasonable security practices?

Section 43A Signup and view all the answers

Which act is punishable under Section 66 B, C, and D of the Information Technology Act?

Identity theft and dishonesty Signup and view all the answers

What is the fine imposed under Section 66E for violating privacy by transmitting an image of a private area?

Rs. 2,00,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential penalty for performing acts described under Section 43?

Compensation for damages Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum penalty under Section 67 for transmission of obscene content?

Up to 5 years imprisonment and Rs. 10,00,000 fine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nature of Cyber Crime

Cybercrime encompasses crimes involving computers and networks, either as tools or targets.
It includes fraud, identity theft, and privacy breaches, threatening individual and national security.
Categories of cybercrime:
- Targeting computer networks/devices: Involves threats like viruses and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
- Using networks for other crimes: Includes cyberstalking, financial fraud, and identity theft.

Types of Cyber Crime

Cyber Terrorism: Violent acts causing loss of life, executed through cyberspace, utilizing software or hardware threats.
Cyber Extortion: Attackers threaten to disrupt services unless a ransom is paid.
Cyber Warfare: State-sponsored operations targeting systems for espionage or sabotage.
Internet Fraud: Deceptive online actions to mislead victims for financial gain; not a single crime category.

Current Cyber Threat Landscape

Ransomware is the top threat, with quick attacks driven by stolen credentials and phishing emails.
Infostealers have increased targeting, often preceding ransomware attacks by stealing sensitive data.
Business Email Compromise (BEC) results in significant financial losses, surpassing ransomware in aggregated impacts.
Drive-by downloads deliver malware via compromised websites, with types like Gootloader and SocGholish prevalent.
Supply chain attacks exploit weaknesses to maximize disruption.
State-sponsored cyber threats are driven by geopolitical motives: Russia (Ukraine), North Korea (currency theft), Iran (opposition suppression), and China (cyber espionage).

Understanding Cyber Threat Actors

Criminal Groups: Steal through phishing and malware.
Hackers: Individuals or groups with malicious intents.
Hacktivists: Target organizations to promote social or political causes.
Insider Threats: Employees compromising security, intentionally or otherwise.
Corporate Spies: Engage in tactics to steal sensitive business information.
Nation States: Governments utilizing cyber tactics for espionage and disruption.
Terrorist Groups: Use cyber means for malicious agendas.
Data Brokers: Sell user data without consent.

Cyber Attack Techniques

Initial Access: Techniques like spear phishing and exploiting vulnerabilities to gain network foothold.
Command and Control: Attackers communicating with compromised systems to evade detection.
Persistence: Maintaining access post-compromise through techniques like scheduled tasks.
Defense Evasion: Strategies to avoid detection during activities.

Cybersecurity Best Practices

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enhances security by requiring additional authentication factors.
Ransomware Prevention: Minimize attack surfaces, mitigate impacts, and reassess security plans.
Endpoint Protection: Ensure all devices are secured with protection software integrated with SIEM for wider monitoring.
XSS Attack Prevention: Use filtering policies to mitigate risks from malicious scripts.
Threat Intelligence Program: Centralize threat data to inform security measures effectively.
Network Deception Technologies: Utilize decoy systems to monitor attacks without risking real assets.

Legal Framework: Information Technology Act, 2000

Section 43: Damaging or stealing computer data incurs liability for damages.
Section 43A: Corporations not implementing security measures responsible for losses.
Section 66: Hacking incurs up to 3 years imprisonment or ₹5,00,000 fine.
Sections 66 B, C, D: Fraud and identity theft penalties include imprisonment or fines up to ₹1,00,000.
Section 66E: Violating privacy through unauthorized image transmission incurs penalties.
Section 66F: Cyber terrorism can lead to life imprisonment.
Section 67: Publishing obscene material can result in 5 years imprisonment or fines up to ₹10,00,000.

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Description

This quiz explores the various aspects of cyber crime, including its nature, categories, and the current threat landscape. Topics cover cyber terrorism, extortion, warfare, and internet fraud, providing insights into how these crimes affect individuals and societies. Test your knowledge on these pressing issues in cybersecurity.