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Who is Cybercriminal?
A cybercriminal is an individual who commits cybercrimes by using a computer as a tool, a target, or both.
Cybercriminals use computers in three broad ways:
Key Takeaways
- A cybercriminal commits cybercrimes by using the computer as a tool, a target, or both.
- Cybercriminals often work in organized groups with specific roles, such as programmers, fraudsters, and tellers.
- Cybercriminals are mainly driven by financial gain but sometimes also by power and influence.
- Cybercriminals use various tactics to exploit weaknesses, such as phishing, malware, and ransomware.
- Strong security protocols and education are needed to protect against cybercriminals.
Types of Cybercriminals
Cybercriminals often work in organized groups.
Some cybercriminal roles are:
Clearly, there is much overlap between roles, but as cybercrime becomes a greater issue, organized crime is getting involved and creating further specializations. For example, hackers were once (more often than not) hobbyists who broke into systems for personal gratification.
While whitehat hacking hasn’t disappeared, it’s much more common now to see hackers as professionals who sell their services to the highest bidder. Antivirus software can help some users protect themselves from cybercrime and fraudsters.
Motivation of Cybercriminals
Cybercriminals are mainly driven by financial gain. They take advantage of weak points in systems to steal personal, financial, or health data. This data is then sold on underground markets or used for fraudulent activities.
Sometimes, they are also driven by power and influence; they want to have control over people and organizations by accessing their data.
Tactics Used by Cybercriminals
Cybercriminals use various tactics to exploit weaknesses and achieve their goals.
Common tactics include:
Cybercriminals vs. Hackers & Threat Actors
Although these three terms are often used interchangeably, there are differences between them:
9 Ways to Protect Against Cybercriminals
There are several best practices to help you protect yourself or your business from cyberattacks:
Strong password policies
Use strong and unique passwords, change them regularly, and use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for additional security.Multi-factor authentication
This requires you to provide additional information, such as codes sent to your mobile device.Education
Learn and teach people how to create strong passwords, install the best VPNs, recognize phishing scams, and handle sensitive information.Data encryption
Protect sensitive data by encrypting it so that even if threat actors gain access to the data, they are unable to read it.Update systems and software
Update web browsers, anti-malware and antivirus software, and all applications.Monitor network traffic
Monitor third-party systems
Monitor third-party vendors’ and contractors’ systems and networks to ensure that they meet the security requirements outlined in their contracts.Cybersecurity policy
Organizations must have formal cybersecurity policies that outline the best practices that employees must follow and the consequences for failing to comply.Security audits
Conduct security audits regularly to detect weaknesses in systems and processes.
The Bottom Line
In short, the cybercriminal definition relates to a person who commits cybercrimes by using the computer as a tool, a target, or both. They are usually motivated by financial gain.
Cybercriminals use various tactics, such as phishing, malware, and social engineering, to achieve their goals. Protecting against cybercriminals requires strong security measures and education on recognizing and avoiding cyber threats.
