Computer crime

 Computer crime refers to any crime that involves a computer and a network.^[1] The computer may have been used in the commission of a crime, or it may be the target.^[2] Netcrime refers to criminal exploitation of the Internet.^[3] Debarati Halder and Dr. K. Jaishankar (2011) defines Cybercrimes as: "Offences that are committed against individuals or groups of individuals with a criminal motive to intentionally harm the reputation of the victim or cause physical or mental harm to the victim directly or indirectly, using modern telecommunication networks such as Internet (Chat rooms, emails, notice boards and groups) and mobile phones (SMS/MMS)".^[4] Such crimes may threaten a nation’s security and financial health.^[5] Issues surrounding these types of crimes have become high-profile, particularly those surrounding cracking, copyright infringement, child pornography, and child grooming. There are also problems of privacy when confidential information is lost or intercepted, lawfully or otherwise.

An Australian nationwide survey conducted in 2006 found that two in three convicted cyber-criminals were between the ages of 15 and 26.^{[citation needed]}

Internationally, both governmental and non-state actors engage in cybercrimes, including espionage, financial theft, and other cross-border crimes. Activity crossing international borders and involving the interests of at least one nation state is sometimes referred to as cyber warfare. The international legal system is attempting to hold actors accountable for their actions through theInternational Criminal Court.^[6]

Cybercrime in the United States is estimated to cost $100 billion annually.^[7]