CYBER CRIMES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS
Cyber crime, or computer crime, refers to any crime that involves a computer and a network. The computer may have been used in the commission of a crime, or it may be the target. Cyber crimes against individuals can
be in the form of cyber stalking, identity theft and trafficking. Today, law enforcement agencies are taking this category of cyber
crime very seriously and are joining forces internationally to reach and arrest
the perpetrators.
Cyber Stalking
This is a kind of online harassment the victim is subjected to a barrage of online messages and emails. Typically, these stalkers know their victims and instead of resorting to offline stalking, they use the Internet to stalk. However, if they notice that cyber stalking is not having the desired effect, they begin offline stalking along with cyber stalking to make the victims’ lives more miserable.
Identity Theft
This has become a major problem with people using the Internet for cash transactions and banking services. In this cyber crime, a criminal accesses data about a person’s bank account, credit cards, social security, debit card and other sensitive information to siphon money or to buy things online in the victim’s name. It can result in major financial losses for the victim and even spoil the victim’s credit history.
Example: Phishing - criminals try to get passwords and other security information out of Internet users, often through directing people to fake versions of legitimate websites. The phishing sites look authentic, and users are frequently duped into entering personal details.
Example: Phishing - criminals try to get passwords and other security information out of Internet users, often through directing people to fake versions of legitimate websites. The phishing sites look authentic, and users are frequently duped into entering personal details.
Trafficking
Drug traffickers are increasingly taking advantage of the Internet to sell illegal substances through encrypted e-mail. Some drug traffickers arrange deals at internet cafes, use courier Web sites to track illegal packages of pills, and exchange recipes for amphetamines in restricted-access chat rooms. The increase in Internet drug trades could also be attributed to the lack of face-to-face communication. Such virtual exchanges allow more intimidated individuals to more comfortably purchase illegal drugs.