Top 10 Cybercrimes

Here are the top 10 ways cybercrimes occur today. We’ve addressed each of these in issues our newsletter series Cybercrime Defined - ICYMI! Just follow the links to read the relevant issues!

While we’ve defined many lesser-known cybercrimes in our series, these ten still persist as the most frequently used strategies … because they still have the highest success rate!

Top 10 Cybercrimes

1. Phishing

Phishing is a cybercrime where attackers pose as legitimate entities—such as banks, service providers, or executives—to trick you into revealing sensitive information like your login credentials, credit card numbers, or your Social Security number. Phishing often occurs via deceptive emails, websites, or text messages and remains one of the most common entry points for data breaches.

2. Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts your files or systems, rendering them inaccessible. The attacker then demands a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency, to restore access. These attacks frequently target businesses, hospitals, and government entities, leading to severe operational disruption and financial loss.

3. Business Email Compromise (BEC)

BEC is a sophisticated scam where cybercriminals impersonate executives or vendors using spoofed or hacked email accounts to authorize fraudulent financial transfers. BEC causes billions in global losses each year and relies heavily on social engineering rather than malware.

4. Identity Theft

In identity theft, criminals steal and use your personal information—such as Social Security number, birthdate, or bank details—to commit fraud. Stolen identities can be used to open accounts, apply for loans, file false tax returns, or commit healthcare fraud.

5. Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking involves the use of the internet, social media, or other digital communication means to harass, monitor, or threaten individuals. Cyberstalking often overlaps with domestic abuse or online intimidation and can escalate into physical threats.

6. Online Banking Fraud

Online banking fraud includes unauthorized access to financial accounts using stolen login credentials or malware like keyloggers. Cybercriminals drain funds, create fraudulent transfers, or redirect payments, often before you realize they’ve been compromised.

7. DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) Attacks

DDoS attacks flood a targeted website or service with overwhelming traffic from multiple systems, causing service outages. Often used as extortion or disruption tactics, these attacks can paralyze online businesses or critical services for hours or even days. 

8. Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking is the unauthorized use of your device to mine cryptocurrency. Malware runs silently in the background, hijacking CPU resources and electricity while remaining hidden from you, slowing system performance and risking damage. 

9. Social Media Fraud

Social media fraud includes scams such as fake investment schemes, romance frauds, giveaway cons, and impersonation of influencers or brands. Criminals exploit your trust and oversharing habits to steal money or personal data. 

10. Dark Web Transactions

Criminals use the dark web to buy and sell stolen data, illicit drugs, malware kits, and hacking services. Transactions are usually made anonymously using cryptocurrency, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace. 

These are the top 10 ways cybercriminals seek to steal your identity, privacy, money, and data, and never forget:  Cybercriminals are constantly at work, coming up with new strategies and testing them out. AI has opened a whole new land of opportunity for cybercriminals to discover novel and creative ways to steal your data!

Mindless scrolling and clicking can get you into a lot of trouble. There’s always someone watching. Be sure you’re paying attention when reading your emails, engaging on social media, and conducting business and financial transactions online. Trust your gut if a website looks off or when an email sounds odd!

The road back from a data breach is a long and grueling journey.