Cyber technology has changed the dynamics between offenders and victims in many crucial ways. The possibilities offered to the offender in the digital space with the help of tools can be unbeatable, not only to commit new kinds of crime but also to create and execute traditional offenses in totally new variations.

This is one of the most important influences of the cyber technology that will be discussed. Anonymity is one of the biggest influences to be discussed because many are indulged in activities where the internet provides a shield for people to hide their real identity behind screen names and encryption. Anonymity serves as an easier call for the offender to approach and influence the victim without immediate consequences. For instance, in cases of cyberbullying or online harassment, remote torment is possible for the offenders, most often without the disclosure of their identity. This can make the time span of abuse longer and increase the feelings of helplessness and isolation of the victims.

As though that is not enough, the use of cyber technology by the offenders affords them the possibility of preying on a very wide pool of potential victims throughout the entire world. This becomes very evident on a global scale, specifically in cybercrimes, such as “Phishing Scams,” whereby perpetrators can send out those communications to millions of users with the purpose of stealing personal information. Their scope and scale multiply the impact of these crimes, making it impossible for a single police agency to humanely follow up and mitigate these threats effectively.

Cyber technology also enables new forms of victimization that were wholly impossible before the advent of cyber technology. For example, consider the problem of identity theft: through the internet, a perpetrator can easily access, steal, and misuse unknowing victims’ personal information from just a few clicks. This results not only in financial loss but also long-term damage to the credit and reputation of the victims. Even responding to this, a growing need for strong cybersecurity measures and education in digital literacy is felt. Online protection of individuals has become a matter of paramount concern for governments and organizations, even the individuals themselves. As technology progresses, so has to move our means of trying to comprehend and suppress the movements of the offenders and victims in this augmenting cyber world.