Ever since technology evolved to where computers were invented there have been computer crimes. As the internet exploded, more and more crimes involving computers became prevalent. Computer crimes can be committed by anyone who has access to the device and an internet connection. Our Los Angeles computer crimes attorney would like to discuss the different types of computer crimes in today’s post.
Cyberstalking has become one of the most talked about computer crimes of recent memory. This crime is typically committed by teens and young adults but a person of any age can become a cyberstalker. What is cyberstalking? For the most part, the suspect overloads the victim with a barrage of chat, email and video messages. In a large number of cases the stalker knows the victim personally.
Anyone who uses the internet has likely heard of the dark web. This is where thieves sell information to the highest bidder. Identity theft used to require a lot of sophistication before the internet. The mail had to be stolen from the victim’s mailbox in order to obtain personal information. Now, with the internet, the suspect can simply come across the victim’s data on the dark web or by hacking into their computer.
Almost everyone has heard of the term piracy before and typically it goes hand-in-hand with movies and music. But, there is a form of piracy using computers and it is known as software piracy. This crime occurs when you use software or distribute it without the authorization to do so. Even the use of pirated software is risky because it could be loaded with malware, trojans, or viruses that could compromise a computer.
Money laundering has become much easier to commit since the advent of the internet. Money has to be laundered prior to using it if it is made using illegal practices. The best option out there today to launder money is using the internet. Suspects tend to send electronic messages between banks that are known as wire transfers to move the money.
Malware occurs when harmful programs are loaded onto a computer. This is typically done by getting a victim to click on a suspicious link in an email or on an unsecured website. The malware, once present, can cause damage to your computer or another electronic device so that you cannot use it properly. The malware can then help to steal your personal information, such as credit card numbers and Social Security numbers.
Phishing is one of the most common computer crimes and it is not the same fishing you do with your dad or granddad. Phishing is the act of tricking users into revealing their personal and confidential information to hackers. The most successful phishing scams tend to mimic trusted websites and companies to trick the victims into giving out their information.
Being charged with a computer crime can lead to serious penalties. Our Los Angeles computer crimes defense attorney is here to help you fight these charges. Call our office at 310-430-7799 today to schedule a consultation about your case.
