An explanation of cybercrime

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In this video, TechTarget editor Sabrina Polin talks about cybercrime -- what it is and the risks that it poses to businesses.

Easier than a bank heist, but still illegal.

Cybercrime is any criminal activity that involves a computer, networked device or network. Cybercrime is usually committed to generate profit for the cybercriminals.

However, some cybercrime targets specific devices to damage or disable them, or to spread malware, illegal information, images or other malicious material. The ubiquity of internet connectivity and the anonymity, speed and convenience it provides has dramatically increased the volume and pace of cybercrime activities.

Crimes like ransom, fraud, money laundering and harassing are easier to carry out than ever before. Unlike, say, an art heist, a criminal doesn't have to physically be present to commit a cybercrime. Just about anyone can engage in cybercrime.

There's no one way to carry out a cyberattack. Cybercriminals use a variety of methods and techniques, such as:

  • Distributed denial-of-service attacks.
  • Malware or ransomware attacks.
  • Phishing campaigns.
  • And website hijacking.

Social engineering is a large component to most types of cybercrime. Many cyberattacks rely on the victims activating malware with clicks or downloads, or falling for fake requests for money, information or access.

In business, cybercrimes typically have a financial impact -- sometimes billions of dollars' worth. And businesses can also experience reputational damage, share price drops and sensitive data loss.

Sabrina Polin is a managing editor of video content for the Learning Content team. She plans and develops video content for TechTarget's editorial YouTube channel, Eye on Tech. Previously, Sabrina was a reporter for the Products Content team.