Cybercrime committed by a criminal group or criminal organization

Abstract

The rapid technological evolution and the global expansion of interconnectivity over recent decades have had a major impact on crime, giving rise to a new criminal dimension: cybercrime. This term encompasses a wide range of illegal activities conducted in the digital realm, with various objectives, including generating quick profits, conducting espionage, manipulating sensitive data, or even compromising essential infrastructures critical to national security. Criminal organizations have increasingly extended their operations into the digital environment, exploiting the unique advantages of the internet, such as user anonymity, communication speed, and global access. These organizations employ advanced techniques to conduct criminal activities like financial system fraud, ransomware attacks, and personal data theft, often forming complex networks. The typology of cybercrime can be organized into distinct categories, each characterized by specific methods of operation. These categories include offenses such as phishing, DDoS attacks, drug and weapons trafficking on platforms like the dark web, and the use of cryptocurrencies to mask illegal transactions. Moreover, criminal organizations continuously adapt to new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), to increase the efficiency and impact of their illicit activities, positioning themselves strategically against authorities. This research analyzes the evolution of cybercrime within the context of advanced technologies and global interconnectivity, highlighting the impact on cybersecurity and international preventive measures. The study explores how cybercriminals exploit technological vulnerabilities, threatening individuals, financial institutions, and critical infrastructures. Additionally, it examines the effectiveness of countermeasures implemented by authorities and international organizations and provides relevant statistics to illustrate the scale and trends of cybercrime.