Cyber crime is defined as any criminal activity that involves a computer, network, or networked device. It is the umbrella term that covers all illegal acts committed in cyberspace. Criminals involve a computer or digital device in a cybercrime in one of two ways:

• Computer as a Target (Pure-Technology Crime): The computer system or network itself is the direct victim of the attack. For example, hacking, spreading viruses/malware, Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, or ransomware that encrypts system files.
• Computer as a Tool (Cyber-Advanced Crime): Criminals use the computer or the internet as an instrument to commit traditional crimes. These crimes include phishing, cyberstalking, the online sale of illegal goods, or intellectual property infringement.

Who is a Cyber Criminal?

A Cyber Criminal is any individual or group that uses a computer, network, or digital device to commit an illegal or malicious act. They are highly varied in their skill level, motives, and organizational structure. Here are the most common types of cyber criminals:

• Financially Motivated Criminals: The largest and most common group. They operate scams, run ransomware campaigns, steal credit card data, and commit identity theft for direct financial gain.
• Black Hat Hackers: Individuals who break into systems (hacking) to exploit vulnerabilities, steal data, or cause disruption without authorization. They are the traditional “villains” of the cyber world.

• State-Sponsored Actors: Highly skilled and well-funded groups supported by a government to conduct cyber warfare, industrial espionage, or attacks on critical infrastructure in other countries.
• Hacktivists: Groups or individuals who hack to promote a social, political, or religious cause. Their attacks often involve website defacement or Denial of Service (DoS) attacks to disrupt or embarrass a target organization.
• Script Kiddies: Amateurs who lack deep technical skills. They use readily available, pre-written attack tools and scripts (often downloaded for free) to cause minor disruption or damage for bragging rights.
• Insiders (Disgruntled Employees): Current or former employees who misuse their authorized access to steal company data, sabotage systems, or leak confidential information out of revenge or for personal profit.