Charges of Cybercrimes
Cybercrimes across this country cost us billions of dollars annually, making it a huge priority for law enforcement. The FBI reports that in 2021 nearly 850,000 cases of cybercrime occurred, costing somewhere between one and four percent of the Gross National Product—and those are just the reported cases—which make up only a fraction of those believed to have actually occurred. When considering the problem globally, the numbers reach into the trillions of dollars. Cases of ransomware, cryptocurrency scams, and business e-mail compromise schemes (BEC) were the most common cybercrimes, though there are many different ways to commit cybercrime. If you have been charged with this in Florida, you need a tough, no-nonsense attorney fighting on your behalf right away.
Example of Cybercrimes
Cybercrimes are those that take place using a computer. In addition to those mentioned previously, it could include:
- Using a computer to complete illegal financial transactions or money laundering;
- Intimidation or harassment of another person over social media;
- Luring victims into dangerous situations, phishing scams and other types of fraud;
- Computer hacking, including hacks that lead to identity theft;
- Internet sex crimes, including the creation, download, and/or distribution of child pornography.
The Many Costs of Cybercrimes
There are numerous ways in which cybercrimes cause harm. Besides the dollar cost to victims (it averages $300 thousand just in ransomware cases), companies often experience business disruption, data destruction, and the theft of valued intellectual property. Data—both personal and financial—may be lost. Reputations are often damaged, and, in some cases, victims suffer severe emotional trauma. Notably, these are the consequences for individual attacks. Warren Buffet, a well-known billionaire/philanthropist/businessman, believes that cybercrime is the top problem facing mankind, calling it a bigger threat than even nuclear weapons. Fears that a cyberattack on the country’s power grid is both possible and even probable–which could cause widespread devastation– have been expressed by noted journalist Ted Koppel.
Cybercrime Penalties
Clearly, cybercrimes can be extremely destructive. Depending on whether state lines were crossed electronically, these crimes can potentially be pursued by both state and federal officials, which means criminal activity could lead to charges involving both the Florida attorney general and the FBI. Misdemeanor crimes could result in a year behind bars and a $1,000 fine. Many—if not most– cybercrimes are felonies. Depending on who issues charges and what they are for, penalties can include a minimum of a year in jail, and up to decades in prison. Additionally, you could be assessed tens of thousands of dollars in fines.
The Defense You Deserve
The accomplished, experienced Kissimmee criminal defense lawyers at Salazar & Kelly Law Group always fight for the best possible outcomes for you. To discuss your situation, schedule a confidential consultation in our Kissimmee office today.
Source:
evolvesecurity.com/blog-posts/actual-cost-of-cybercrime#:~:text=The%20Cost%20of%20Cybercrime%20in%20the%20U.S&text=A%202021%20FBI%20report%20says,were%20among%20the%20reported%20incidents
