Contemporary Issues in Crime, Safety and Security

Name: Lee Allison
Course Code & Name:
Module Code:
Module Name: Contemporary Issues in Crime, Safety, and Security
Enrolled Level: MSc
Word Count: 2436
CONTEMPORAY ISSUE IN CRIME, SAFETY AND SECURITY

Contemporary Issues in Crime, Safety and Security 1
Course: MSc
Module leader:
Assignment Title: Critically evaluate the threat posed by one crime, safety and security issue of
your choice and compare and contrast some of the possible ways it can be effectively combated.
Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Risks/Threats associated with Cybercrime......................................................................................2
Ways to prevent Cyber threats.........................................................................................................6
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................9
Bibliography..................................................................................................................................11

Contemporary Issues in Crime, Safety and Security 2
Introduction
Criminology is an area of law where one studies different kind of crimes, their theories, impact
on different social groups, and other aspects. Studies of all these factors are important because
crime is increasing in society on a daily basis. Different types of crimes are evident which affect
people in a different and very negative manner. The issue selected for the preparation of this
assignment is cybercrime. It is also known as online crime or digital crime as technology plays
an important role of crime activity. In order to discuss and understand the meaning of
cybercrime, it is important to state that it is categorized as a crime by which it is carried
out/performed with the help of internet or computer. As provided by Bedfordshire police it is an
umbrella term for all those crimes, which takes place online or technology uses as a means
(Bedfordshire.police.uk, 2019). People who perform cybercrimes are known as cybercriminals
(Christiansen and Piekarz, 2018.). Some cybercriminals directly attack devices or computers
with the intention to disable or damage them, whereas some of them use networks to spread
illegal information, viruses, malware, or other adverse materials. Cybercrime brings economic
loss as well as mental stress for the victims. Many of the cases have happened there where
people have committed suicide or became a victim of depression because of cyber-crime
(Nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk, 2019). In the presented essay, the discussion will be made upon
cybercrime, its threats, and the possible ways in which the threats can be effectively combated.
Risks/Threats associated with Cybercrime
Over the past few years, significant growth in cyber criminality can be seen. Not only the
individuals and business but the security of the whole nation is vulnerable and at risk
(Cpni.gov.uk, 2019). Cybercrimes are not necessary to be within the country, but cases have also
reported where cybercriminals made attacks outside of the national border. By stealing

Contemporary Issues in Crime, Safety and Security 3
passwords, money or data, such criminals seek to exploit security or human vulnerabilities
(Nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk, 2019). The number of cybercrimes and criminals are increasing
with the use of the internet. In the word full of economy, technology, and globalization, most of
the transactions such as sale/purchase of goods, banking transaction, and others are completed
with the help of computer and internet. Cybercriminals use different methods to attack systems
and networks and some of the lead methods are mentioned hereunder: -
1. Hacking: - As per crown prosecution service, UK, hacking is an unauthorized access to
mobile, compute or other technological devices by exploiting identified security
vulnerabilities (Cps.gov.uk, 2019).
2. Cyber stalking: - It is an activity where cyber attackers, uses the internet as well as other
online platforms to keep an eye on someone, to harass or bully them.
3. Ransomware attack: - It is a method/technique where the attack inserts a special type of
malware to a device. This malware is known as Ransomware. It blocks the data of user
and users need to pay a particular amount to re-access the computer. As per a report,
because of such attack, people have lost in the region of $5 billion globally in 2017
(Miller, 2018).
4. Phishing: - It is a technique in which attackers or cybercriminals extract confidential
account details of people such as their login credentials or ID password and later on use
their personal information to threaten them (Digit.in, 2019).
Above mentioned are few popular techniques, which are also known as types of cybercrimes.
After understanding the methods, now the other issue is to check the main threats posed by the
selected crime i.e. Cyber-crimes. Many threat assessments have been done in the UK and
afterward, some of the lead threats have been identified. Starting the discussion over the topic, is