Computer Crimes: Threats and Legislation in the Digital Era

Digital Law, Personal Data Protection

Today, technology has become a strategic ally for humanity. It can be useful for seemingly simple, everyday activities, such as making an online purchase or transfer. It also allows the performance of much more technical activities in different labor, productive and economic spaces in which they are indispensable due to their nature. Furthermore, technological growth has not only been aimed at benefiting people, but, unfortunately, it has also collaborated to their detriment. If the latter were to occur, it would be a computer crime, punishable by a penalty like any other crime prescribed by law.

Computer crimes are also known as computer crimes or cybercrimes, which are basically illicit activities committed through the use of computer tools such as computers, cell phones, computer networks, internet, mail, among other electronic devices or programs. These activities can have several purposes, among the most common of which are obtaining confidential information, financial fraud, interruption of services and damage to the computer systems of individuals or institutions.

This type of crime does not require physical effort, but it does require intellectual qualities. Anyone can be a cybercriminal, they could act individually or collectively and attack a single individual or a large organization. There is a catalog of computer crimes and among the most common are the following:

Computer fraud: this crime seeks to obtain personal or banking data for illicit purposes, manipulate, eliminate, modify or supplant them. This action harms both natural and legal persons, generally causing them economic damage.
Cyberbullying: digital media or other devices are used in order to harass, intimidate, humiliate or threaten a person. This includes sending offensive messages, spreading rumors or humiliating photographs, harassment, among other activities.
Computer sabotage: the purpose is to attack, paralyze, remove, damage or change the functionalities of a computer system without authorization.
Phishing: for this crime cybercriminals impersonate companies, banks or government offices, which are known to the victim to request data needed for identity theft in banking or digital services.
Intellectual property infringements: piracy is commonly manifested in the digital environment. They work on a digital service basis making copies or reproductions of products.
Software theft: this crime consists of the illegal distribution of legally protected software. This undermines the rights of the owners.
Child exploitation: this computer-related crime is one of the most common and serious. They are known as child pornography and child trafficking. It includes the recording and dissemination of photographs or videos of minors, such as their sexual exploitation. This activity is in the darkest fraction of the Internet.

This list reflects the growing need for regulations to adapt to the possibilities reflected in today's society. It is important to emphasize that cybercrime has a fundamental characteristic and that is its execution. This is because it is materialized through digital media and information technologies, crossing the barrier of the physical world.