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Cybercrimes that Can Put the World in Danger

Crime, inherently antisocial and immoral, is defined by actions forbidden by law. Yet, humanity's relentless pursuit of technological advancement has ushered in an era of unprecedented progress. Among the most notable innovations is the internet, which paved the way to a dynamic and nonterritorial space we call cyberspace.


Cyberspace is a realm of growth and opportunity; it gives us the freedom to explore the world in unorthodox ways. However, along with its perks, cyberspace has become a forum for sinful acts—cybercrimes.


In this blog, we will investigate three different cybercrimes committed at international levels and their gravity and potential to cause harm to governments and individuals. Cyberspace is becoming a battlefield where not only states but also small groups with computer systems are planning warfare.


Cybercrime at the International Level:


1.Cyber Terrorism:

  • As the name itself suggests, it is an act of terrorism, solely performed for political gain without remorse over the violence created to impose a political ideology. Cyber Terrorism is performed by tampering with data intended to create violence.  
  • Cyberterrorism entails the deliberate destruction or disruption of extensive computer networks, potentially resulting in data loss and even loss of life. Hackers utilize various malicious tools such as computer viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing techniques to carry out these attacks.
  • These cyber-attacks, which frequently escalate into criminal offenses, are classified as cyberterrorism. They instigate panic and cause tangible harm to a significant number of individuals.
  • Cyberterrorism aims to inflict harm on people and their data by intentionally exploiting computer networks to accomplish their objectives.


2.Deliberate and Anonymous Use of ICTs for Attack on Critical Infrastructure:

  • A deliberate attack on the Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) of another country falls under this category. An attempt to cause harm to critical infrastructure can result in significant damage, affecting not only political leaders but every individual in that country.
  • This could include attacks on things like power grids, transportation networks, financial systems, or communication networks, with the aim of causing significant disruption or damage without revealing the identity of the attacker.
  • The attackers can be a single person, a group, or a government, but the harm they can cause is unimaginable. Such a grave attack is often state-sponsored due to the potential benefits and political rivalries between states; it is a concerning matter.
  • In recent reports, such attacks have been increasing at an alarming rate. In 2019, the US reported 65 attacks on its infrastructure. Though these attacks were relatively small in nature, it would be foolish to wait for them to escalate further.


3.Unhindered Growth of Botnets:

  • Botnets are not only dangerous at the individual level but also internationally if they grow at the current speed. A botnet is a network of computers attacked by the bot herder to carry out data theft; in most incidents, the infected computer is unaware of the attack. 
  • It can happen to governmental bodies as well, where sensitive data can be stolen. A recent example of this can be seen in the leaking of Aadhar card data in India. 
  • If the bot herder grows without any check, they can cause financial and data loss on a larger scale than anyone can imagine.
  • Botnet includes web attacks, malware, passwords, and eavesdropping attacks.



One of the predominant challenges in addressing cybercrime is the lack of international regulations and a robust framework for holding perpetrators accountable. While individual states have laws that outline punishments for cybercrimes, there is a significant gap at the international level. 


This absence of cohesive global regulations creates loopholes that cybercriminals exploit, making it difficult to pursue justice across borders. Without effective mechanisms for international cooperation and enforcement, cybercriminals can operate with impunity, posing a persistent threat to individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide.


 Cybercrimes were once unheard, unknown, and unseen, but at present, the legal system is dealing with a plethora of cybercrime cases.



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