Cybercriminals, cyberattacks and cybercrime

Nowadays, cybercrime is growing rapidly around the world, as new technologies, applications and networks emerge. In addition, the Deep Web has contributed to the growth of illegal activities in cyberspace. As a result, cybercriminals are taking advantage of system vulnerabilities for their own benefit. This article presents the history and conceptualization of cybercrime, explores different categorizations of cybercriminals and cyberattacks, and sets forth our exhaustive cyberattack typology, or taxonomy. Common categories include where the computer is the target to commit the crime, where the computer is used as a tool to perpetrate the felony, or where a digital device is an incidental condition to the execution of a crime. We conclude our study by analyzing lessons learned and future actions that can be undertaken to tackle cybercrime and harden cybersecurity at all levels.