Cybertheft

Cybertheft is an aspect of cybercrime commonly defined by typology. Cybercrime is generally characterized into three groups: (1) cyberattacks, (2) cybertheft, and (3) other computer security incidents. Cybertheft occurs when a computer device or the Internet is used to steal money or other valuables, including a person’s identity. Some offenses listed as cybertheft include embezzlement, fraud, theft of intellectual property, and theft of personal or financial data. Cybertheft may be distinguished from cyberattack, which occurs when the computer system is basically the target of the crime, such as with computer viruses, denial-of-service attacks, [Page 273]and electronic sabotage against a person’s hardware or software. Cybertheft also includes spyware, adware, hacking, phishing, spoofing, pinging, port scanning, and stealing of other information. Some terms used in relation to ...