The Evolution of Cybercrime, 2004-2014

Abstract

This article reviews developments in cybercrime in the ten years to 2014. It observes that in the basic substance of cybercrime offences is essentially the same as in the past. However, cybercrimes are now executed with greater sophistication, increasingly for purposes of financial gain, and by an increased diversity of organizational structures, including government agencies and state proxies. The article concludes with a discussion of applications of digital technology that have emerged over the past decade, and their potential for criminal exploitation.

Keywords: Cybercrime, state-sponsored cybercrime, organisational-diversity, organised crime, commercialisation