Cybercrime is a growing global threat that requires law enforcement to be able to respond effectively. It presents a number of challenges, from attribution to technical expertise.
A well-functioning system requires victims of cyberattacks to report attacks and share evidence with law enforcement agencies. Without this information, law enforcement is unable to pursue cases against cybercriminals.
1. They Have the Expertise
Hackers are a diverse group of people. Some of them are criminals trying to break into systems, while others are security experts that work for organizations to ensure their networks are secure.
There are also some hackers who do it for social reasons, and there are some who do it as a form of entertainment. The motivations that hire for hacker have for doing their thing can range from financial gain to gaining street cred and burnishing their reputation within the hacker subculture.
In a recent study, researchers found that the motivations for cybercrime are similar to those for other crimes. They found that the most important motivators for hackers were monetary reward and gaining street cred. Other motivations included the desire to belong to a hacking community and a sense of responsibility for the information that they have gathered (Turgeman-Goldschmidt, 2005).
2. They Have the Resources
Law enforcement agencies often have resources to solve cyber crimes, including investigative staff and support services. However, a number of issues may prevent them from fully leveraging these capabilities.
For example, many law enforcement agencies may not be equipped to investigate international criminal activity. This may occur due to jurisdictional and geographical barriers, as well as inconsistencies in the law and legal systems of different nations.
To combat these challenges, law enforcement needs to rebalance its cyber resources and focus on a more holistic approach that prioritizes prosecution of malicious actors who steal American money, ideas, or personal information.
This requires a multi-agency collaboration that will require centralized coordination and resources, and a clear understanding of each agency’s jurisdiction and program lines. Without this, it will be difficult for investigators to effectively assess their progress and ensure that they are working together on complex and multi-jurisdictional cyber crimes. It will also be necessary to increase political leadership and resource allocation for law enforcement and diplomacy efforts to address these challenges.
3. They Have the Time
Cyber crime is one of the biggest problems law enforcement agencies have. These agencies need to be able to efficiently identify and investigate cybercrimes, and they need to have the resources necessary to do so.
It is critical for these agencies to have a clear strategy that connects their cyber investigations to the agency’s overall mission. Without such a strategy, investigators will continue to struggle to build a comprehensive case.
The time available is limited in a world of increasing Internet connectivity and remote electronic evidence storage. It is important to have well-trained and experienced cyber investigators on the job, so that any evidence that does exist can be quickly gathered, investigated, and prosecuted.
It is also essential to have the support of local law enforcement agencies, particularly those that are located in areas of significant Internet activity. The FBI, for example, is a major player in computer crime-busting efforts across its program boundaries and internationally.
4. They Have the Money
Hackers make money in a variety of ways, including stealing data, selling exploits, and creating ransomware. They also make a good living by speaking at conferences and events.
One of the most profitable ways hackers make money is by extorting companies and individuals. They steal sensitive information and threaten to reveal it if the company doesn’t pay up.
Another lucrative way is by stealing credit card details from e-commerce websites and OTT platforms. These troves of sensitive data are then sold on the surface web or the dark web.
Finally, some hackers are motivated by a desire for revenge. They may hack into the networks of a corporation or a nation state and attempt to disrupt their operations. This can involve the theft of trade secrets, influencing elections, or interfering with government and military documents. These types of crimes are known as corporate espionage or cyber espionage. These hacks are often carried out by hackers who are members of a criminal organization or a nation state.
