What is Cybercrime? | Things To Know When Approaching A Lawyer

What is Cybercrime?

Cybercrime is a crime involving the use of computers and the internet. Criminals often use advanced software and techniques to infringe, for example, computers, business systems, telephones, or bank cards. There are different forms of cybercrime. Think of viruses, phishing, and identity theft. Breaking into a computer (system) is also called hacking.

Cybercriminals can commit crimes such as theft, fraud, and extortion. Businesses and citizens can protect themselves against cybercrime by ensuring that computers are properly protected, using virus scanners, using passwords that are difficult to retrieve that are changed regularly, and providing that regular backups are made.

Cybercrime can cause many problems. Sensitive business information is exposed or used against you, important data disappears, or there may be theft—the police combat cybercrime in collaboration with the National Cyber ​​Security Center (NCSC).

Do you think you have become a victim of cybercrime, such as a virus or identity fraud, and do you want to know what legal action is possible? Or are you suspected of cybercrime? Then it is wise to contact a lawyer as early as possible. In this way, the chance of a good settlement of the case remains as high as possible. A lawyer can provide you with legal advice or assist you in legal proceedings.

Cybercrime is a complex area of ​​law that is constantly evolving. Therefore, assistance from a lawyer aware of the latest legislation and jurisprudence in this area is often not a luxury. Our large network of lawyers allows us to put you in touch with a lawyer specializing in criminal law, particularly cybercrime. We always get to know the lawyers in our network personally to make a good match.

Things To Know When Approaching A Lawyer

With the rapid development of computer technology, cybercrime has also developed considerably. Different types of cybercrime can now be distinguished. Think of:

Hacking

Hacking is breaking into a computer system. Cybercriminals can use viruses, phishing, etc.

Virus

Everyone is familiar with viruses by now. A virus disrupts the operation of a computer and can damage or delete data. Viruses can be spread by email or hidden in a download.

Example: Ruby receives an email from a sender unknown to her. When she opens the email, it turns out that she has won a prize! Ruby clicks on the link in the email, and suddenly her computer is unusable. A virus has hit her computer / Laptop.

Phishing

Phishing attempts to obtain personal information via email or telephone, such as personal data, login details, a PIN code, or credit card information. Cybercriminals can pose in the mail as a bank, credit card company, or government agency.

Example: Ruby receives an email that, at first sight, seems to come from her bank. The email states that the bank needs her account number and login details for internet banking for an annual check. Ruby sends the data. Moments later, it appears that much money has been debited from her account.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a virus that blocks files or prevents you from using your computer. Cybercriminals only remove the virus when money is paid.

Example: Ruby is surfing the internet when suddenly a report of, it seems, the police appears on her screen. Ruby would have been guilty of a criminal offense. She can no longer use her computer, and according to the report, the block will only be lifted if she pays a fine. When Ruby contacts the police, it turns out that there is ransomware. The notification comes from cybercriminals.

Identity Fraud

Identity fraud involves fraud with personal data, such as name, place of residence, account number, social security numbers, etc. With this data, payments can be made, or bank accounts can be opened. There is theft and fraud.

Example: Ruby is shocked when she discovers unknown charges on her credit card statement. Someone has made several payments with her credit card information.

DDoS Attacks

With such an attack, a website is rendered unusable due to overload. Criminals can use this to blackmail organizations or provide their services to third parties who pay money for this.

Example: When Leonie wants to log in to her bank via internet banking, it appears that the website is not available. The bank's website is overloaded. The bank is probably the victim of a DDoS attack.

Terrorism

More and more terrorist groups use the internet to threaten individuals or agencies and incite individuals to commit terrorist attacks and propaganda.

What can you do as a victim of cybercrime?

If you are a victim of internet crime, this can cause (a lot of) financial and emotional damage. First of all, you must report or report cybercrime so that the police can tackle it. In addition, it is important to collect as much evidence as possible. It can also sometimes be wise to inform your bank or credit card company. For example, if you have become a victim of phishing).

If you have suffered financial damage, you can try to get your money back through the courts. You could be entitled to compensation. In principle, getting compensation is a civil procedure. To receive compensation, you must therefore join the criminal case as a victim. A lawyer can help you with this.

Example: Ali is a victim of identity fraud. Large payments have been made in his name and with his internet banking data. The perpetrator has been caught, and the Public Prosecutor is taking him before the criminal court. Ali, however, has suffered damage and wants to see this damage compensated. He will have to join the criminal case against the perpetrator.