Importance of cyber security

Abstract

As Community Policing (CP) is closely correlated with the daily lives of citizens, it can be affected by the cyber threats in the same way as the citizens it is supposed to support. Furthermore, combating cybercrimes or dealing with its aftermaths could become integral part of CP operations. Therefore, it is essential to understand the main concepts of cyber security together with existing and emerging threats it possesses. This chapter clarifies common terms and techniques from hacking and ransomware to the dark web and cryptocurrencies and makes them accessible to a wider audience. More importantly the chapter outlines why cyber-criminals have embraced these technologies, how they use them and how law enforcement—and more specifically Community Policing—can realistically investigate and operate in this new age.