Cmy3706 Cyber Crime Summary Notes

CMY3706 – STUDY UNIT 6

CYBERCRIME

COMPLETE EXAM-READY STUDY NOTES



1. LEARNING OUTCOMES

After studying this unit, you should be able to:

1. List and discuss the types and variations of cybercrime.

2. Discuss and interpret cybercrime typology.

3. Explain the nature of cybercrime.

4. Discuss cybercrime techniques and vulnerabilities.

5. Explain the nature, modus operandi and complexities of cyberstalking.

6. Discuss the policing, investigation, prevention and combating of cybercrime.

7. Discuss the criminological application of cybercrime.



2. WHAT IS CYBERCRIME?

Definition – MUST KNOW

The study guide gives a minimalist definition:

Cybercrime is criminal activity where a computer or computer network is the source, tool, target
or place of a crime.

In simple language:

Cybercrime = crime involving a computer, computer network or computer-like device.



3. WHAT DOES "CYBER" MEAN?

Cyber

The study guide uses cyber to mean:

Virtual computer-generated.

Related terms include:

• digital;

, • online;

• electronic.

Cyberspace

Cyberspace refers to the virtual or imagined space in which electronic information/data exists or is
exchanged.

It can include:

• smartphones;

• computers;

• laptops;

• tablets;

• internet systems;

• security cameras;

• GPS systems;

• satellites;

• banking networks;

• transport systems;

• systems controlling electricity and water infrastructure.

MEMORY AID

CYBER = VIRTUAL

CYBERSPACE = WHERE DIGITAL INFORMATION EXISTS/EXCHANGES



4. ELECTRONIC / HI-TECH CRIME

Cybercrime is also referred to as:

• electronic crime;

• e-crime;

• hi-tech crime;

• online crime;

• computer-related crime.

,The important point is that computer technology is central to the commission of the crime.



5. WHY HAS CYBERCRIME GROWN?

The study guide identifies technological developments as important facilitators.

These include:

• smaller devices;

• cheaper technology;

• portability;

• smartphones;

• tablets;

• Wi-Fi;

• satellite transmission;

• improved connectivity;

• increased access to information.

The convergence of computing + communications has created new opportunities for criminal
behaviour.

SIMPLE FORMULA

More technology + more connectivity = more opportunities for cybercrime



6. THE CENTRAL LINKING THREAD

This is an EXACT MCQ FROM YOUR STUDY GUIDE.

Cybercrime includes many different types of crime.

What links them?

ANSWER:

Their perpetration in cyberspace, with the foundational action largely being e-fraud.

MEMORISE THIS

CYBERCRIME → CYBERSPACE → E-FRAUD

, 7. CYBERCRIME IN SOUTH AFRICA

The study guide describes South Africa as experiencing significant cybercrime.

However, it specifically warns that cybercrime statistics can rapidly become obsolete.

Therefore, the study unit deliberately focuses on a conceptual snapshot rather than relying heavily
on statistics.

EXAM TIP

If an exam asks about the nature of cybercrime in South Africa, concentrate on:

• growth;

• technological development;

• vulnerabilities;

• e-fraud;

• underreporting;

• policing difficulties;

• international/borderless nature.



8. CYBERCRIME IS BORDERLESS

Cybercrime can occur:

• across cities;

• across provinces;

• across countries;

• across continents.

The offender may be in one country while:

• the victim is in another;

• the server is somewhere else;

• the stolen money is transferred through another country.

This creates problems involving:

• jurisdiction;

• sovereignty;