Cybercrime knows no borders

Cybercrime refers to criminal activities that take place online or exploit information networks and systems. A growing number of crimes reported to the police now involve the use of these technologies in some way.

Cyber-dependent crime targets information networks and systems directly.  This includes denial-of-service attacks, hacking and other interference with information systems. Cyber-enabled crime uses networks and systems as tools to carry out criminal activities.

Criminals are exploiting cyberspace

The most commonly reported cybercrimes include data breaches and identity theft. Identity theft in particular has increased sharply in recent years, often linked to payment fraud.

Many crimes, such as terrorism, trafficking in human beings, child sexual abuse and drug dealing, have moved online or now rely on digital tools.

The internet has also made it easier to commit sexual offences against children and young people. These and other types of cybercrime cause serious harm to victims.

Cybercrime has also introduced new methods for committing traditional offences like fraud and drug-related crimes. It is increasingly linked to organised crime.

Cybercrime affects all of society

Cybercrime has a global reach. Online crimes easily cross national borders, since the internet lacks the physical limits of many traditional crime scenes. The location of the offender and the victim, or the distance between them, often make no difference.

Criminals are quick to take advantage of new technologies, including tools powered by artificial intelligence.

The growing volume of cybercrime and the increasing complexity of the threats affect all of society. Serious cyberattacks can disrupt the vital functions of society, threaten national security or cause other incidents that have a broad impact on society.