How does cyber technology impact interactions between offenders and victims?
Cyber technology has significantly changed how offenders and victims engage in so many different ways. Geographical barriers have been lowered by cyber technology, making it possible for criminals to target victims from anywhere in the world. Because of its greater accessibility, criminals may more easily take advantage of victims in many different countries. Because of the anonymity provided by the internet, criminals may hide their identities and their objectives, which makes it way easier for them to trick and manipulate victims without worrying about facing instant repercussions. Thanks to social media, messaging apps, and online platforms, offenders may now contact a wider audience of possible victims. Their broader reach gives them anonymity and facilitates the identification and targeting of vulnerable people. In addition to that, a plethora of digital evidence made possible by cyber technology may be utilized for criminal investigations and prosecutions. Emails, chat logs, and social media posts are just a few examples of digital traces left by criminals that may be used to identify and punish offenders. The advent of cyber technology has led to the emergence of novel types of victimization, including identity theft, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and online abuse. For the victims, these types of victimization can have detrimental psychological and emotional effects. Cyberattacks that target victims in an attempt to compromise their equipment or steal financial or personal information are also a possibility. Identity theft, money loss, and privacy invasion are all possible outcomes of these cybersecurity risks. Cyber technology gives criminals the ability to commit credit card fraud, identity theft, and phishing schemes, among many other types of financial crime. Unknowingly giving up money or personal information can result in losses for the victims as well as compromising security. Undoubtedly, cyber technology has also made it so much easier to obtain victim support services and raised so much awareness of online threats. Victims can get information, guidance, and support in dealing with cyber-related offenses via online resources, helplines, and support groups which is really great.