The Evolution of Cybercrime

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Questions and Answers

What was the accomplishment of Rene Carmille, a French computer scientist, in 1940?

He created the first phishing scheme

He invented the first computer virus

He developed the first web browser

He broke into the Nazi data registry to disrupt their intentions (correct)

What was the effect of the broad use of social media in the 2000s on cybercrime?

It led to a decline in malware infections

It exacerbated cybercrime, particularly data theft (correct)

It led to the development of the doctrine of mens rea and actus reus

It resulted in the creation of the first antivirus software

What is the term for 'A guilty state of mind' in the context of crime?

Mens rea (correct)

Actus reus

Malware

Cybercrime

What is the result of human conduct that the law seeks to prevent, according to the doctrine of actus reus?

Such result of human conduct Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the commission or omission that constitutes a crime?

Actus reus Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of more devices going online, according to the text?

Cybercriminals gain new weaknesses and possibilities Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge in determining mens rea in cybercrimes?

Determining the state of mind of the hacker at the time of the crime Signup and view all the answers

Why is it easier to prove awareness on the part of the hacker in certain cases?

Because the hacker is an outsider with no authority to access Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of actus reus in cybercrimes?

It is committed in intangible surroundings Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for proving actus reus in cybercrimes?

The evidence must be in physical form or admissible in court Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of cybercrimes according to the text?

They can only be committed by people with specialized knowledge of technology Signup and view all the answers

Why is it challenging to establish that an employee has exceeded their limits in accessing a system?

Because the employee is unaware of the limits of their authority Signup and view all the answers

What motivates criminals who engage in cybercrime operations on the dark web?

Concern about their identity being revealed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of individuals being victims of cybercrime?

Data breaches and identity theft Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the sector of the internet where criminals engage in illegal activities?

Cybercrime economy Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to a company that fails to secure client data?

The company will face fines and penalties Signup and view all the answers

What is typically required to access the dark web?

A combination of TOR browsers and a secure virtual private network Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of attacking government data?

To corrupt or sell national defence and security information Signup and view all the answers

What is often sold on the dark web?

Social security numbers and credit card numbers Signup and view all the answers

What is the dark web, in the context of cybercrime?

A hidden part of the internet used for illegal activities Signup and view all the answers

Why is securing personal data critical?

To protect our liberty and financial security Signup and view all the answers

What is a common occurrence in the cybercrime economy?

Cyber assaults and data breaches Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to a business as a result of a cybercrime attack?

The business will suffer from financial loss Signup and view all the answers

What can fraudsters do with data saved on smartphones?

Use the data to harass and blackmail victims Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Emotet virus?

To steal information and crack simple passwords Signup and view all the answers

What is the common feature of most RATs?

They are used legally Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the attack on Capcom in 2021?

It affected the company's 2021 releases Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the Japanese video game creation business that had a data breach?

Capcom Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of malware that Emotet is classified as?

Financial Trojan Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Blackshades RAT?

To extort companies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Accomplishments and Effects

Rene Carmille, a French computer scientist, made significant advancements in computing in 1940, particularly in data processing for military use.
The widespread adoption of social media in the 2000s led to an increase in cybercrime, providing new platforms for criminal activities and the sharing of illicit content.

Legal Terminology

"Mens rea" refers to the term meaning 'a guilty state of mind' in criminal law.
"Actus reus" denotes the result of human conduct that the law aims to prevent, specifically the physical act or omission constituting a crime.

Cybercrime Characteristics

A commission or omission that constitutes a crime can be described as "actus reus".
The increasing number of devices online heightens the risk of cybercriminal activities, leading to larger attack surfaces.
Determining mens rea in cybercrimes can be complicated due to the anonymity of the internet and the difficulty in tracing intentions.
In certain cases, proving a hacker's awareness of their wrongdoing is less challenging when clear indicators of intent are present.

Cybercrime Evidence and Challenges

A characteristic of actus reus in cybercrimes is the requirement of an observable action or lack thereof.
Proving actus reus in cybercrimes necessitates clear evidence of the act being committed, like data breaches or unauthorized access.
Cybercrimes are often characterized by their use of technology to exploit or harm individuals or organizations.

Employee Conduct and Motivation

Determining whether an employee has exceeded their access rights is difficult, often due to complex corporate structures and overlapping permissions.
Criminals operating on the dark web are often motivated by financial gain, anonymity, and the thrill of illicit activities.

Consequences of Cybercrime

Victims of cybercrime experience major consequences, including financial loss, identity theft, and emotional distress.
The dark web is the sector of the internet where illegal activities and transactions take place, often shielded from regulation.
Companies that neglect to secure client data could face legal repercussions, financial penalties, and reputational damage.

Dark Web and Cyber Attacks

Access to the dark web typically requires specialized software, such as Tor, to maintain user anonymity.
Attacks on government data primarily aim to steal sensitive information, disrupt services, or wield political influence.
The dark web commonly features the sale of stolen data, illicit drugs, weapons, and hacking tools.

Importance of Data Security

Securing personal data is critical to prevent identity theft, financial loss, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
A common occurrence in the cybercrime economy is the continuous evolution of tactics and tools used by cybercriminals.
Businesses may suffer significant consequences due to cybercrime attacks, including loss of data integrity, customer trust, and operational disruption.

Fraudulent Uses of Data

Fraudsters can exploit data stored on smartphones for identity theft, phishing attacks, and unauthorized financial transactions.
The Emotet virus is primarily designed to facilitate the distribution of other malware, acting as a delivery mechanism.
Most Remote Access Trojans (RATs) share characteristics such as stealthy operational methods and the ability to control infected systems remotely.

Specific Incidents

The 2021 attack on Capcom resulted in a significant data breach, impacting sensitive customer and employee information.
Capcom is a well-known Japanese video game creation business that faced challenges related to cyber security during this incident.
Emotet is classified as a type of malware known as a Trojan, specifically used to compromise systems and deliver additional threats.
The Blackshades RAT is utilized primarily for unauthorized access to victim's computers, often for spying or stealing information.

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Description

Explore the history of cybercrime from the early days of data registry hacking to the modern era of social media and malware infections. Learn how cybercrime has evolved over the decades and the key milestones that have shaped the industry. Test your knowledge on the significant events that have contributed to the growth of cybercrime.