Explain the difference between cyber-specific and cyber-related crimes.

- For cyber-related crimes, explain the further division into cyber-exacerbated and cyber-assisted crimes.
- Why is this distinction useful?
- Provide examples for each type of cyber-crime.

Answer :

Cyber-specific crimes are offenses unique to the digital environment like hacking and denial-of-service attacks, while cyber-related crimes, such as fraud and identity theft, are traditional crimes transformed by the Internet. The division into cyber-assisted and cyber-exacerbated crimes helps in tailoring law enforcement and policy strategies.

Difference Between Cyber-specific and Cyber-related Crimes

Cyber-specific crimes are offenses that can only be committed using a computer, computer networks, or other forms of information technology. Examples include hacking, spreading malware, and denial-of-service attacks. In contrast, cyber-related crimes are traditional crimes that have been transformed by the use of computers. These can be further divided into cyber-assisted and cyber-exacerbated crimes.

Cyber-Assisted Crimes

Cyber-assisted crimes are traditional offenses that are facilitated by the Internet, meaning that while they could be committed without technology, the use of the Internet makes them easier to commit or more widespread. Examples include fraud and identity theft.

Cyber-Exacerbated Crimes

Cyber-exacerbated crimes are offenses that are magnified in their scale or harm due to the Internet. For instance, bullying becomes cyberbullying, which can be more relentless and pervasive online.

The distinction between cyber-specific and cyber-related crimes is useful for law enforcement and policymakers because it helps in tailoring strategies for prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution.