Cybercriminals

Individuals who use computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones or other personal devices to commit a crime such as cyberstalking or harassment; unauthorized interception of communications; intellectual property violations; or illegally accessing other computer systems to alter, destroy or steal data, intercept and disclose confidential information; plant spyware, ransomware or other forms of malware; launch denial of service attacks; or engage in phishing, financial theft or other activities that are illegal. In some situations, cybercriminal gangs operate underground online "Cybercrime-as-a Service" marketplaces that develop and sell or rent the tools of the trade to less tech-savvy cybercrime novices which enable them to launch their own cyberattacks. Other gangs manage or participate in underground, password-protected, online forums that serve as a meeting place for those interested in buying, selling, and trading malware, botnets, stolen personally identifiable information, credit card information, hacked server credentials, and other pieces of data and software that facilitate complex cybercrimes worldwide.