Cybercrime facts for kids
Cybercrime is when people use a computer or a computer network to do something illegal. It's like using technology to break the rules. There are many different kinds of cybercrime, from trying to trick people online to causing problems for computer systems.
Some governments have special groups or agencies that work to stop these computer crimes and keep everyone safe online.
Contents
What is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is any crime that involves a computer and a computer network. Think of it as using digital tools to do something wrong. These crimes can happen in many ways, like trying to get personal information from someone or even attacking a website.
Types of Cybercrime
Cybercrimes can generally be put into two main groups:
Crimes that Target Devices or Networks
These are crimes where the computer itself, or the network it's connected to, is the main target. The goal is often to damage or control the system.
- Viruses: These are harmful computer programs that can spread from one computer to another, often without you knowing. They can damage your files or slow down your computer.
- Malware: This is a general term for any software designed to harm or secretly access a computer system. Viruses are a type of malware.
- Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: These attacks try to make a website or online service unavailable by flooding it with too much traffic. It's like too many cars trying to use a small road at once, causing a jam.
Crimes Using Devices for Illegal Activities
In these crimes, computers are used as tools to commit other illegal actions, often targeting people rather than just systems.
- Phishing Emails: These are fake emails that look like they come from a trusted company or person. They try to trick you into giving away personal information, like passwords or bank details.
- Cyberstalking: This is when someone uses the internet or other electronic means to repeatedly bother, harass, or threaten another person. It can be very upsetting and scary.
- Identity Theft: This happens when someone steals your personal information, like your name, address, or social security number, to pretend to be you. They might use it to open credit cards or commit other fraud.
Other Illegal Online Actions
Besides the main types of cybercrime, some other online actions are also against the rules and can be illegal:
- Cyberbullying: This is when someone uses digital technology to repeatedly hurt, threaten, or embarrass another person. It can happen through social media, messaging apps, or online games.
- Spying Behavior: This involves secretly watching or gathering information about someone online without their permission. This can include tracking their online activity or trying to access their private accounts.
- Copyright Issues: This is about illegally copying or sharing things like music, movies, or software that someone else created and owns the rights to. It's like stealing their creative work.
- Fraud: This means using tricks or lies online to get money or something valuable from someone. For example, fake online shopping sites or investment scams.
See also
In Spanish: Delito informático para niños
