CYBER CRIME

You are charged with Cyber Crime but what does this mean?

Cyber Crime is one of the fastest growing criminal activities across the world where organised crime has been quick to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Internet, particularly in recent years the growth in e-commerce and online banking.

Common cyber threats are split into two categories of users:

Consumers/General Public

• Phishing/Spam: Bogus emails asking for security information and personal details
• Malware: Use of virus based software to compromise a user
• Webcam manager: Taking control of a webcam
• File hijacker: Files are hijacked and held to ransom
• Keylogging: The recording of activity that is typed using a keyboard
• Screenshot manager: Screenshots taken of an individual’s computer screen
• Ad clicker: Allows a hacker to direct a victim’s computer to click a specific link

Business

• Hacking: Accessing a company’s information or systems without permission.
• Distributed Denial of Service(DDOS): This involves preventing, interrupting or suspending access to the internet or a specific website. This can be achieved in a number of ways, such as sending a lot of traffic to a particular website.

As with its name the World Wide Web (www) offences carried out can be brought to the attention of other prosecuting jurisdictions across the world and lead to those countries seeking extradition.

Punishment can vary from a caution, prevention/and or monitoring of web activity up to a maximum of 10 years imprisonment for serious offences. Most offenders are charged under the Computer Misuse Act.

If you have been charged with a Cyber Crime then contact NOBLE SOLICITORS as soon as possible who will refer you to one of our specialist Criminal Solicitors that will guide you through your rights in this situation.

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