Cybercrimes and the criminal justice system do encounter each other. Many believe that due to cybercrimes being committed on the internet or through a computer, it is not punishable in court or do not apply to a court system. This is not the case. Cybercrimes are just that, crimes. Whether through the internet or in person, if an act is labeled as a crime everyone is entitled to a fair trial.

Just like stealing a product in a store affects business so does stealing information. The length of the crime can differ between these two topics.  Viruses can be planted and go unnoticed for a range of time, while typically with white-collar crimes the result is noticed right away. There is typically a limited number of times a physical attack can occur by one person, but online many attacks can occur simultaneously.

Another way this overlaps is through digital forensics. Digital forensics was brought to life by the criminal justice to punish those committing crimes over the internet. The purpose of this role is to trace back the criminal’s technique and find a trail leading to the offender. This can involve many steps and can take time just as a criminal crime of murder. Collecting the evidence and data to bring justice to the victims. Hacking is only one way to commit a crime online. The dark web is where many criminals hide to do illegal activities. This can include but is not limited to stealing identities or selling identities, watching pornographic items, especially with minors, etc.

Insider threat was elaborated on in a previous discussion. Insider threat is another crime done by infiltration or an active employee. This act involves leaking information without authorization which can be related to confidential documents or HIPPA violations.  This can cause a major security risk and can also be labeled as espionage which can be fully punishable by the law.

Overall, whether crimes are committed in person or on computer systems and/or networks crimes are crimes. Both acts of robbery from a store or theft from a business system of information affect people and should be handled in the same regard. If criminals commit fraud, infect or compromise systems, etc. are not punished and tried in court then many people would roam free, and the attacks would continue. A line has to be drawn which is why while technology is evolving and crimes are changing the government such as the police are evolving too.

Resources: 

Kubic, T. T. (2001, June 12). The FBI’s perspective on the cybercrime problem. FBI. https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/testimony/the-fbis-perspective-on-the-cybercrime-problem#:~:text=Cyber%20criminals%20and%20organizations%20pose,is%20essential%20for%20law%20enforcement.

Payne, B. K. (2018, June 25). White-collar cybercrime: White-collar crime, cybercrime, or both?. Scholaatica HQ. https://ccjls.scholasticahq.com/article/6329-white-collar-cybercrime-white-collar-crime-cybercrime-or-both/attachment/16533.pdf