Technology use, abuse, and public perceptions of cybercrime

Abstract

The extensive use of information technology systems and networks has delivered undoubted benefits to both individuals and organizations. Unfortunately, at the same time, it offers new opportunities for abuse and criminal activities. This chapter examines the nature of the problem, looking at the different guises that cybercrime can take, and the factors that are influencing its growth. Specific focus is then given to the threat of phishing, which has risen to become one of the most frequently encountered forms of technology abuse, in both personal and workplace contexts. The discussion then moves to consider the increasing breadth of threats that users are actually facing from the increasing array of devices and services that they use, with the rise of the Internet of Things being used to exemplify the issue. All of this leads to consideration of the effect that cybercrime has upon public perceptions, with discussion of how it affects usage and what it should mean in terms of protection. The chapter concludes with recognition of the inevitability of technology-related abuse but the equal recognition that there are actions that can be taken to safeguard against it.