As technology continues to advance society in many different ways, we need individuals who are capable of engineering programs that identify risks and threats along with creating software that serves to protect our intellectual property. Those who are tasked with the creation are known as cybersecurity engineers. They ensure internet safety by identifying threats, then taking that information, and formulating programs that will help aid, defend, and mitigate the damage done by cybercriminals. The various ways that these engineers can aid in the protection of data is by developing secure authentication processes, creating network security systems, developing encryption keys, performing security assessments, and educating users on security protocols, and measures to ensure the continuous safety of information.

Criminal justice is defined as the system of laws, institutions, and procedures put in place by a government to maintain social order, deter and punish criminal behavior, and ensure justice for victims of crimes. Cybercrime can be defined as criminal activities that are carried out using computers, networks, and the internet. Criminal justice and cybercrime overlap as cybercrime falls under the branch of criminal justice. Law enforcement handles all types of crime, including cybercrime, and law enforcement is a major portion of criminal justice. After cybercriminals are caught, they go through a variety of charges and processes that are conducted by the government/legal bodies to hand out punishments/sentencing. Cybercrime isn’t just a national issue, but an international issue that can be tackled by different governing bodies from other countries.

The overlap between cybercrime and criminal justice relates to other disciplines such as law, medicine, and government departments such as land and waste management, which can all be affected by cybercrime as they all use the internet to conduct business, create intellectual property, and handle financial information. Cybercrime can happen at any time, and anywhere. Having professionals such as cybersecurity engineers can ensure that information remains protected and secure.