CyberCrime

 from my understanding cybercrime includes various illegal activities carried out using the internet, and it can impact individuals, companies, and even governments. Three common types of cybercrime that i researched can include phishing, ransomware attacks, and identity theft. 

 phishing can occur through fraudulent emails or websites that appear legitimate. For example, an attacker may send an email that looks like it’s from a well-known company (like a bank or an online retailer), asking the recipient to click a link and "verify" their account information. The link leads to a fake website that resembles the real one, where victims unknowingly enter their data. A similar experience happened to me recently. Although my personal information wasn’t stolen, I did receive several suspicious texts and emails about supposed package deliveries. The messages seemed to be phishing attempts, trying to trick me into clicking on links or providing personal details. These types of scams seem to happen much more frequently now compared to before. 

Identity theft occurs when cybercriminals steal someone’s personal information and use it for fraudulent purposes, such as opening credit accounts or making unauthorized purchases. This can happen in several ways: through hacking, data breaches, or even through phishing attacks. Once criminals have the victim's personal details (like Social Security numbers, addresses, or financial information), they can impersonate them to commit fraud. I’ve had family members who fell victim to a form of cybercrime where their Instagram accounts were hacked. the hackers messaged every single follower, posing as them asking for money or sending suspicious links. It’s something I’ve seen happen frequently to several friends. It seems to be a growing trend, with cybercriminals targeting social media accounts to deceive people into sending money.