What it is
A cybercriminal is someone who commits crimes using computers or the internet—either as the weapon, the target, or both. Think data theft, online scams, and break-ins that happen through screens instead of doors.
What they do (common plays)
-
Data & identity theft: steal logins, personal info, or payment data to cash out later.
-
Online scams & fraud: fake stores, phishing emails, tech-support cons.
-
Malware campaigns: ransomware, keyloggers, info-stealers, botnets.
-
Denial-of-Service (DoS/DDoS): flood a site or app so it goes offline.
-
Cybervandalism: defacing sites, deleting data, or leaking content.
How they operate
-
Social engineering: trick people into clicking, paying, or sharing secrets.
-
Exploiting weak spots: unpatched apps, exposed remote access, reused passwords.
-
Dark-web markets: buy/sell stolen data, malware kits, and “hacking as a service.”
Protect yourself (quick basics)
-
Use strong, unique passwords + MFA everywhere you can.
-
Keep devices, browsers, and apps updated.
-
Be skeptical of links, attachments, and sudden “urgent” messages.
-
Back up important files offline; consider DNS filtering/AV.
-
Verify money or account changes out of band (call the sender).