Top EU Cybercrimes of 2018

Cybercrime is a worldwide threat facing us all, no matter where in the world you’re from. The European Union’s (EU) law enforcement intelligence agency recently released a report naming their top forms of cybercrime. The 2018 Internet Organized Crime Threat Assessment takes a look at the most prevalent types of cybercrime in the EU. However, there’s every reason to believe these cybercrimes are rampant in the U.S. as well. As far as cybercrime trends, the report finds earlier editions of crime are still around but are very much improved. The report finds “Many areas of the report...build upon previous editions, which emphasizes the longevity of the many facets of cybercrime.” Fasten your seatbelts. We’re in for a bumpy ride.

Ransomware and malware - Although the growth of ransomware attacks may be slowing, they’re still prevalent, especially by nation-state actors. Targeted malware along with malvertising shows no signs of slowing down.

Data breaches - Considered a prominent threat. Attacks on businesses are growing while attacks on consumers are slowing. Data stolen from finance and corporate could mean an increase in selling data or blackmail.

Online child sexual exploitation material - Increasing amounts of online child sexual exploitation material, with more extreme material found on the Dark Web.

Sextortion - With more children gaining access to the Internet, the risk of sexual coercion and extortion continues to grow.

Distributed denial-of-service attacks - When multiple compromised systems combine to target a single system, they cause a denial-of-service. The attacks persist because they mean low risk of being caught, low cost, and are more accessible.

Payment card fraud - Skimmed credit card data and card-not-present fraud continues. Card information is easily sold on the dark web.

Cryptocurrency - The electronic currency is facing hacking, theft, and extortion of personal data. It’s growing use may alter the threat environment overall.

Cryptojacking - Stealing power from devices to mine for cryptocurrency is on the rise. It’s easy to do, along with getting the necessary tools. Cryptomining malware may also see growth.

Bitcoin popularity - Although other cryptocurrencies are available, bitcoin continues to be the prevalent form of cryptocurrency found in cybercrime.

Social Engineering - Email phishing continues as the most frequent type of social engineering. Telephone phishing (vishing) is second to email, and SMS (smishing) tactics are least frequent, though still prevalent.

What can we do? In most cases, watch for phishing email, vishing, and smishing. Many of these cybercrimes are successful because we click links or attachments that we aren’t expecting to receive, or that are from unknown persons. Just don’t let curiosity get the best of you. Always confirm if you just cannot be sure. It’s worth the few extra minutes.

As for anything shared online, the best we can do is use extreme caution when posting information and especially photos. Yes, sharing moments on social media is special. However, keep in mind that whatever you put online should be considered available for public consumption, no matter how strong you set the security and privacy settings. Once you share something, you lose control over where it goes next and it can potentially be used against you. Share, of course. Just use caution.