CSS Solved Criminology Past Paper CSS Special 2023 | Cybercrime, Cybersecurity, Trends and Strategies
Question Breakdown
In this question, the examiner has demanded a detailed discussion on contemporary concepts of criminology. Basically, the question has three main parts that require an explanation comprising of the emerging concepts of cybercrime and cyber security, its latest trends, as well as the strategies to mitigate cybercrimes. To make the answer outstanding, one can add scholarly definitions, examples, particularly from Pakistan, and various articles related to cybercrime and cyber security. In addition to this, one ought to explain the emerging trends of cybercrime and cyber security while including examples from Pakistan. The quality of the answer can be accentuated by adding diagrams, relevant quotations and flow charts.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Explanation of the Emerging Concepts of Cyber-crime and Cyber-security
- ✓Definition
- ✓Types and Categories of Cybercrime and Cyber Security
- ✓Examples
3-Latest Trends in Cybercrime
- ✓Ransomware Attacks
- ✓Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks
- ✓Cyber Terrorism
- ✓Identity Theft and Financial Fraud
- ✓Online Cybercrimes
4-Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Threats by Enhancing Cyber Security
- ✓Use of Technology
- ✓Cyber Awareness Programs
- ✓Cooperation among Law Enforcement Agencies
- ✓Effective Implementation of Cyber-security Laws
- ✓Developing a Skilled Cyber-security Workforce
5-Critical Analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
With the advancement of technology in the contemporary era, cyber-crime and cyber-security have emerged as significant concepts. Cybercrime is the umbrella term for a broad range of illicit actions carried out via digital platforms, such as financial fraud, identity theft, hacking, and cyber-terrorism. These crimes take advantage of the weaknesses present in information technology, frequently causing substantial financial and psychological harm to people, businesses, and governments. At the same time, the field of cyber-security has grown to be crucial, with the goal of defending users, data, and digital infrastructures against increasingly complex cyber threats. The ever-changing landscape of cybercrime, marked by swift technological progress and dynamic methods, demands that cyber-security strategies are continuously adjusted. According to an American litigator and former government official Jeh C. Johnson,
“Cyber-security is a shared responsibility, and it boils down to this: in cyber-security, the more systems we secure, the more secure we all are.”
Explanation of the Emerging Concepts of Cyber-crime and Cyber-security
Cybercrime and Cybersecurity are not only emerging concepts of the twenty-first century; they are interconnected as well. While cybercrimes indicate the illicit activities envisioned in cyberspace, cyber-security refers to the strategies and measures taken to safeguard data and systems.
Definition
Cybercrime is the term used to describe illicit activity carried out using computers and the internet. These crimes cover a wide range of actions, from identity theft and hacking to cyber terrorism and financial fraud, and they can be directed towards people, companies, or governments. Though there is no one-decided definition of cybercrime, the United Nations defines cybercrime as an umbrella term used for online activities that can be broadly classified as cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crimes. The Commonwealth of Independent States Agreement defines cybercrime as
“A criminal act of which the target is computer information.”
Naming it “information offences”, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Agreement defines cybercrimes as
“The use of information resources and (or) the impact on them in the informational sphere for illegal purposes.”
Cyber security is defending computer networks, systems and data from damage, illegal access, and cyber-attacks. It includes a variety of procedures, tools, and methods intended to protect digital data. According to America’s Cyber Defense Agency, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), cyber security can be defined as
“The art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.”
Types and Categories of Cybercrime and Cyber-security
On the basis of the nature of crime and targets, cybercrimes can be classified into various types, for instance, cyber-dependent crimes, cyberbullying, cyber terrorism, cyber-enabled crimes, intellectual property crimes, etc. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, in 2023, there will be an $8 trillion loss per year due to cybercrimes worldwide, particularly due to hacking and malware. In order to deal with these issues, network security, information security, application security, and cyber forensics are some of the types of cyber security measures.
Examples
Examples of cybercrime include hacking, which involves illegally accessing computers to manipulate or steal information and data; phishing, which refers to efforts made to acquire sensitive information; identity theft, cyberterrorism, financial fraud, etc. For instance, hackers took down many government websites, accentuating the vulnerabilities in public sector cybersecurity. Cybersecurity initiatives are crucial for investigating such crimes.
Latest Trends in Cybercrime
According to Strain Theory of Deviance by Robert K. Merton, people indulge in cyber-crime because they are unable to achieve the goals set by society through legitimate means. In the contemporary era, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are the two advanced tactics employed by cybercriminals to increase the efficacy of their attacks.
Ransomware Attacks
Attacks using ransomware have increased in frequency and severity, affecting a variety of industries such as government, healthcare, and education. Due to increased vulnerabilities in home networks and personal devices brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, remote work has become more common, making these targets for cyber-attacks. Moreover, crypto-jacking is also a prevalent cybercrime that refers to the unapproved mining of crypto-currencies on a victim’s computer, frequently without the victim’s awareness. For instance, the banking sector of Pakistan saw a 40% increase in ransomware attacks in 2023, which was reported by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks
Phishing and spear-phishing are two more complex techniques that make it more difficult for people to recognize fake messages. According to IBM, phishing attacks are a type of social engineering attacks which can be defined as
“A type of cyber-attack that uses fraudulent emails, text messages, phone calls or websites to trick people into sharing sensitive data, downloading malware or otherwise exposing themselves to cybercrime.”
For example, according to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, there was a 61% increase in phishing attacks worldwide in 2023.
Cyber Terrorism
Cyberterrorism has become a considerable threat across nations, encompassing cyberattacks that are carried out for political motives. In such attacks, government agencies and defence systems are the primary targets. In Pakistan, cyber terrorism is envisioned in the form of cyber-attacks on the official websites of governmental institutions in 2023. These attacks are backed by foreign groups in order to acquire or misuse sensitive information about the country. Moreover, cyberterrorism has captured the attention of governments worldwide. Members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) are collaborating to establish shared cyber defence protocols.
Identity Theft and Financial Fraud
In order to achieve their economic objectives, cybercriminals often steal identities. This helps them in acquiring access to bank accounts. For instance, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) of Pakistan has accentuated an increase in identity theft for the purpose of false transactions. After stealing identities, cyber criminals make unauthorized purchases and fraudulent transactions and endeavor to access bank accounts. The Federal Trade Commission of the United States reported a 45% increase in complaints of financial fraud by 2022. The main reason behind this financial fraud has been identity theft.
Online Cybercrimes
Moreover, online cybercrimes include a wide range of illegal acts that are carried out through the internet in order to target individuals, governments, and organizations and acquire their information. This is an emerging and expanding threat worldwide, including activities like cyberstalking, harassment, financial fraud, identity theft, ransomware attacks, etc. According to a 2023 report by Interpol, a 60% increase in cyber fraud cases is being envisioned, which particularly includes fake investment and e-commerce fraud.
Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Threats by Enhancing Cyber Security
The key elements of cyber-security include the use of technologies like firewalls and antivirus software, along with intrusion detection systems that help prevent cyber-attacks. Furthermore, monitoring systems are used in order to identify security breaches immediately, and strategies are formulated to minimize their impact. Providing education, training individuals, and creating awareness to minimize human error are also some of the key elements of cyber security.
Use of Technology
New technologies, like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can be utilized to identify and respond to cyber-attacks. For example, the European Union’s Cybersecurity Act of 2023 ensures that AI-based detection systems are used by significant infrastructure sectors in order to deal with ransomware, malware and other kinds of cyber-attacks. In addition, blockchain technology can be employedto ensure secure transactions and data integrity. For instance, online banking frauds are being envisioned through which cyber-criminals target financial institutions as well as customers via phishing.
Cyber Awareness Programs
Another significant strategy to mitigate cyber crimes can be holding frequent awareness campaigns to inform people about the most recent cyber threats and protective procedures. Moreover, giving Information Technology workers advanced training is paramount in order to stay current on the newest methods and trends in cyber-security. In Pakistan, efforts have been made to raise awareness regarding cyber-security and safe online practices through public awareness campaigns like the National Response Center for Cyber Crime (NR3C) launched in 2023.
Cooperation among Law Enforcement Agencies
Promoting cooperation among law enforcement agencies in order to exchange resources and information is paramount for improved cyber-security between the public and commercial sectors. In 2023, the Cybercrime Operations Task Force of INTERPOL assisted 15 countries in tracking and arresting offenders involved in ransomware attacks. Creating thorough incident response plans can help one in properly tackling any potential cyber-attacks. Moreover, putting response strategies to the test and making improvements through frequent simulated exercises can also minimize cyber crimes.
Effective Implementation of Cyber-security Laws
Robust laws can be formulated and implemented in order to mitigate cyber crimes and deter criminals. For example, the National Cyber Security Policy was introduced by Pakistan in order to protect cyberspace and secure critical infrastructure. Moreover, cooperation with other states is crucial in order to deal with transnational cyber-crimes efficiently.
Developing a Skilled Cyber-security Workforce
In Pakistan, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a cyber-crime wing to investigate and deal with cyber-crimes. Nonetheless, building a workforce of cybersecurity experts is crucial in dealing with cyber threats. In 2022, the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan collaborated with the universities in order to introduce the Cyber Security Degree Program, which aims to train around one thousand professionals every year.
Critical Analysis
In the contemporary era, cybercrime and cyber-security have emerged as concepts that necessitate certain adaptations in order to minimize crimes in the digital landscape. Though efforts to mitigate cyber-attacks are being made globally, due to a lack of cyber awareness and weak digital infrastructure, a substantial increase in cyber-attacks is being envisioned. As Stephane Nappo delineates, it takes years to build a reputation; however, it is easily ruined by cyber incidents within a few minutes. Despite the collaboration of international organizations and various countries, keeping up with the pace of intricate cybercrime methods is a troublesome task. Nonetheless, robust measures, proper cyberinfrastructure, public awareness, and strict data protection laws can assist in dealing with cyber threats.
Conclusion
In modern criminology, cybercrime and cyber-security are important and developing fields that accentuate the shift in nature and tactics of criminal activities. Robust cyber-security policies and measures are needed due to the rise in sophisticated cyber-attacks and the growing dependence on digital technologies. Although countries are working to strengthen cyber-security, more defences are needed to reduce the risks of cybercrime effectively. Investing in advancements in technology, formulation, and implementation of laws, education, and international collaboration are crucial in order to mitigate cyber threats. According to cyber-security expert Neil Rerup,
“True cyber-security is preparing for what’s next, not what was last.”
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