Internet Crime

Last Updated: September 24, 2011

Definition - What does Internet Crime mean?

Internet crime is any crime or illegal online activity committed on the Internet, through the Internet or using the Internet. The widespread Internet crime phenomenon encompasses multiple global levels of legislation and oversight. In the demanding and continuously changing IT field, security experts are committed to combating Internet crime through preventative technologies, such as intrusion detection networks and packet sniffers.

Internet crime is a strong branch of cybercrime. Identity theft, Internet scams and cyberstalking are the primary types of Internet crime. Because Internet crimes usually engage people from various geographic areas, finding and penalizing guilty participants is complicated.

Techopedia explains Internet Crime

Internet crimes, such as the Nigerian 419 fraud ring, are a constant threat to Internet users. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Federal Trade Commission (FCC) have dedicated and appointed IT and law enforcement experts charged with ending the far-reaching and damaging effects of Internet crime.

Examples of Internet crime legislation include:

U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, Section 1030: Amended in 2001 through the U.S. Patriot Act
CAN SPAM Act of 2003
Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011

As the U.S. works to combat Internet crime, other countries are experiencing increased cybercriminal activity. In 2001, Websense (an organization focused on network abuse research) reported the alarming spread of Internet crime in Canada. This global shift is under review by the Canadian government.

Types of Internet crime include:

Cyberbullying and harassment
Financial extortion
Internet bomb threats
Classified global security data theft
Password trafficking
Enterprise trade secret theft
Personally data hacking
Copyright violations, such as software piracy
Counterfeit trademarks
Illegal weapon trafficking
Online child pornography
Credit card theft and fraud
Email phishing
Domain name hijacking
Virus spreading

To prevent becoming an Internet crime, online vigilance and common sense are critical. Under no circumstances should a user share personal information (like full name, address, birth date and Social Security number) to unknown recipients. Moreover, while online, a user should remain suspicious about exaggerated or unverifiable claims.