The world has reached a digital age where everyone is becoming increasingly reliant on technology and the internet for social connectivity, work and shopping. However, with the growing amount of technology, the amount of cyber crime occurring is also growing, as it’s one of the fastest-growing criminal activities in the world.
If you’re a victim of cyber crime, make sure you report it as soon as possible to the police. However, if you’re facing a charge, contact our solicitors on 020 3007 5500 or visit our criminal defence page.
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What is cyber crime?
Cyber crime acts as an umbrella term for various types of crime, which either take place online or use a form of technology as a means for/ or target for the attack.
Both individuals and businesses can be victims of cyber crime.
Types of cyber crime.
Some of the most common types of cyber crime include:
- Cyber fraud. This form of cyber crime includes practices such as phishing. Phishing is a technique that fraudsters use to steal information such as credit card numbers by enticing someone to open an email or a text message and click a link.
- Malware attacks. This form of cyber crime is prevalent and is where malware (malicious software, a.k.a a virus) executes unauthorised actions on the victim’s device.
- Hacking. Hacking is where someone breaks into an account, for example, a social media or online banking account.
- Cyber harassment and stalking. Digital or cyber stalking or harassment is threatening behaviour or unwanted advances directed at another using the internet and other forms of digitally enabled communications.
- Possession or distribution of indecent images. Examples of indecent images include indecent photographs of children and extreme pornography.
How to report a cyber crime?
If you’re a victim of cyber crime, make sure you contact the following services:
| Contact | Telephone Number |
| Police Online Fraud & Cyber Crime | 999 (Emergency) 101 (Non-emergency) |
| Action Fraud | 0300 123 2040 |
How to prevent cyber crime?
It can be impossible to prevent cyber crime altogether. However, there are several precautions you can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of cyber crime. Some examples of precautions you can take to prevent cyber crime include:
- Use strong passwords. Make sure your passwords use a combination of at least ten letters, numbers and symbols. Furthermore, don’t use the same password across several sites and change your password regularly.
- Enable two-factor authentication. You can enable two-factor authentication on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. This form of protection can confirm a user’s identity by asking for a password and sending a confirmation code via email or text message to verify that it’s themselves who’s attempting to log in.
- Consider sharing less online. If you share your birth date, pet name, the place where you live, among others, it’s easier for a criminal to steal your identity.
- Make sure you use secure websites when you’re doing online shopping. The tell-tell sign for a secure website is the little padlock in the search bar.
- Only conduct online shopping on well-known sites. For example, if you’re booking flights for a holiday on a website that you’ve never heard of before, do a bit of research to make sure the company is legitimate.
- Set up a filter or block for any spam mail coming into your email account.
- Don’t open any strange text messages or emails
- Put an adult block on your computer. This block can restrict access to any illegal sites that may host malware or spyware.
Cyber crime sentencing.
The sentence for a cyber crime depends solely on the type and severity of the crime. For example, if you’re found guilty of online fraud, you may be looking a sentence of five years imprisonment and a £5,000 fine. Whereas, if you’re found guilty of the distribution of indecent images online, you maybe look at a sentence of 10 years imprisonment.
In any case, where you’re facing a cyber crime charge, our solicitors will always require an untimed initial consultation first, which will provide the following;
- Unlimited time to discuss your charge and ask any questions you may have.
- An overview of where you stand from a legal perspective and the options available for your case, whether that’s constructing a defence, submitting mitigating circumstances, among others.
- An upfront time and fee estimate for your case.
What if I’m facing a charge?
If you’re facing a cyber crime charge, make sure you contact our criminal defence solicitors. Our solicitors will ensure you don’t make any avoidable yet costly mistakes. In any criminal case, our solicitors can support you with the following:
- Representation during questioning
- Guidance on taking plea deals
- Applications for bail
- Trial preparation
- Court representation
- Appeal applications, where necessary
To contact one of our solicitors, please contact us on 020 3007 5500 or visit our criminal defence page for more information.