cybercriminals
Online fraud perpetrators
Cybercriminals are people who commit crimes using computers or the internet—hacking, fraud, identity theft, ransomware attacks, and similar offenses.
The term covers everyone from lone hackers to organized networks: Cybercriminals stole millions of customer records from the database.
Unlike hackers, which can be neutral or positive, cybercriminals always implies illegal activity.
Hostage-taking code
- virusMicroscopic infectious agent
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
- rootkitHidden unauthorized access software
- botnetRemotely controlled infected computers
keylogger · backdoor · spyware · adware · payload · fileless · scareware · infection
Breaking of agreement
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- black-hatMalicious computer intruder
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
zero-day · cracking · DDoS · defacement · penetration · white-hat · anonymous · APT
Fraudulent imitation
- baitingDeliberately trying to provoke
- vishingVoice-based identity theft
- smishingSMS-based identity theft
- whalingHunting large sea mammals
pretexting · impersonation · lure · catfish · pharming
Price-fixing coalition
- gangOrganized criminal group
- ringClosed curve shape
- undergroundBelow ground or countercultural
- darknetEncrypted anonymous network
forum · marketplace · affiliate · state-sponsored · nation-state
Dishonest money-making scheme
Covert withdrawal of people/data
- black-marketIllicit trading network
- doxingPublishing someone's private information
ransomware
Hostage-taking code
- virusMicroscopic infectious agent
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
- rootkitHidden unauthorized access software
botnet · keylogger · backdoor · spyware · adware · payload · fileless · scareware · infection · RAT
breach
Breaking of agreement
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- black-hatMalicious computer intruder
vulnerability · zero-day · cracking · DDoS · defacement · penetration · white-hat · anonymous · APT · cyberattack
spoofing
Fraudulent imitation
- baitingDeliberately trying to provoke
- vishingVoice-based identity theft
- smishingSMS-based identity theft
whaling · pretexting · impersonation · lure · catfish · pharming
cartel
Price-fixing coalition
- gangOrganized criminal group
- ringClosed curve shape
- undergroundBelow ground or countercultural
darknet · forum · marketplace · affiliate · state-sponsored · nation-state
scam
Dishonest money-making scheme
exfiltration
Covert withdrawal of people/data
- black-marketIllicit trading network
- doxingPublishing someone's private information
cybercriminalssecurity consultants
Experts analyzing protective measures