Technological Crime

Question 1

Define technological crime

Answer 1

When the offence is committed using the internet or other technologies. Aka cybercrime.

Question 2

Examples of technological crime

Answer 2

Internet enabled fraud, downloading illegal material such as songs and images, the use of social media to promote hate crimes.

Question 3

Who are the typical victims of technological crimes?

Answer 3

Anyone who uses the internet. Individuals or large organisations. Often vulnerable people are victims of phishing.

Question 4

Who are the typical offenders of technological crime?

Answer 4

Anyone with access to and basic knowledge of the internet. Can be overseas. Recent increase in young offenders.

Question 5

What is the level of public awareness surrounding technological crimes?

Answer 5

Initially low, but recently higher due to increase in offences and increased publicity. Often victims don’t know of the crime until they check their banks.

Question 6

Are technological crimes considered as criminal or deviant?

Answer 6

Some, eg internet fraud, are both. Things like downloading songs are common and not considered by many as a ‘real crime’.

Question 7

Why are technological crimes not reported?

Answer 7

Lack of understanding, unaware of crime, unsure how to report, shame (eg romance scams), reputational risks (eg for a business).

Question 8

What was the wannacry ransomware attack?

Answer 8

• A worldwide cyber attack which took place in May 2017.
• Targeted PCs running windows.
• Encrypted data and demanded a ransom, if this wasn’t paid the group threatened to release data/information.
• Notable victims included NHS, FedEx, Honda and more.
• North Korean government was behind it.