Cybercrime: What is it? (Roch et al., 2022)
Cybercrime is criminal and illegal activity that involves networking devices, the internet, and a computer. There are many different cybercrimes, such as:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) -
Identity Fraud, Financial Fraud, Financial Theft and "Deepfakes" - Gaining access to personal and financial information to use it. Uses photos and videos of individuals to create other photos, videos, and even audio to impersonate somebody.
Ransom - Uses money to encrypt data to use for money in order to get it back.
Phishing - Emails that look trusted and mimic genuine websites to gain access to log in information and other personal data.
Hacking - Added Spyware, Sniffing, Spoofing, etc. Used for gathering personal data, network trafficing, etc.
Espionage - Accessing data, often sensitive, for economic gain or advantages for political or military reasons.
Malware - Viruses and Trojans. Codes replacing data.
Software Piracy - Use, copying, and distributing software.
Insider Crime - Individuals working within an organization or business committing a crime using access to that organization or company's data and information.
References:
Baker, K. (2025). Cyber espionage explained. Crowd Strike. Retrieved from https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/cybersecurity-101/threat-intelligence/cyber-espionage/
Merriam-Webster. (2026) Deepfake. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved from
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deepfake
Roch, S., Fowler, J., Smith, B., & Bourgeois, D. (2022). Security. In Information systems for businesses and beyond. eCapmusOntario. Retrieved from https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/informationsystemscdn/part/chapter-8-security/
Types of Cybercrime in Cyber Security. Time Stamp: 2:07-8:27
How to Stay Safe Online: All You Need to Know
There are many different ways we can stay safe online, but figuring out where to start can be tricky. Here are some starting points to keep you and your information safe online.
Secure Accounts - Keeping your accounts secure is one of the key factors of staying safe online. Having different, secure passwords for your accounts is key. Don't use the same one for multiple accounts, and don't use the default given passwords. Having pins and multi-factor authorization are also key components. Avoid sharing your personal information or passwords, especially to people online.
Secure Devices - Using encryption keys and authorization devices to access to your personal devices helps keep them secure. This could be having a password, fingerprint or facial lock on these devices, or needing an authorization app. Along with this, ensure the system is up-to-date with updates. Keep an eye out for viruses, along with other phishing tactics with pop-ups and add-ons. Don't click on untrusted or unkown links.
Secure Connections - When logging into private network routers, avoid using default information. Turn off bluetooth when you're not using the device and don't connect with unknown sources or accept unknown files. Use a VPN or firewalls, browse the internet securely on public WiFi. Don't use personal data apps such as online baking on public connections.
References:
Government of Canada. (2026). Get cyber safe: Learn how to stay safe online. Government of Canada Cyber Security. Retrieved from https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en