By Kotie Geldenhuys; Photo courtesy of Freepik
Cybercrime has evolved far beyond the days when hackers would breach computer systems merely for fun or to taunt administrators. The rise of the digital economy has transformed the criminal landscape, turning access to assets and information stored within computer systems into a prime target for illicit activities. The potential for high profits, coupled with minimal risks, has made digital networks a tempting playground for various forms of criminal enterprises. In the past, organised crime thrived in countries with weak governments and unstable political regimes. These days criminal organisations exploit national jurisdictions that lack robust legal frameworks and the technical capabilities needed to effectively combat cybercrime. “Today, most crime has a digital footprint, whether in the commission of the crime, the preparation beforehand or in the cover up afterwards,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary, the Commander of Ireland’s Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) (Alvarez, 2021).
The Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment 2017 delivered a striking revelation noting that traditional crime bosses had finally embraced the digital age. No longer relying solely on the familiar tools of violence and intimidation, these modern-day “Godfathers” had incorporated advanced technologies into their operations. Drones, tracking devices, social engineering, hacking and encrypted communication had swiftly joined the ranks of classic weapons such as crowbars and knuckle-dusters.
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[This is only an extract of an article that is published in Servamus: November 2024. This article is available for purchase.]