Legal Definitions - cybertheft

Cybertheft refers to the act of using digital networks or computer systems, such as the internet, to unlawfully take someone else's property or to disrupt their ability to use and enjoy their property. This encompasses a wide range of activities where technology is the primary tool for committing theft or interfering with property rights.

Here are some examples to illustrate cybertheft:

• Example 1: A scammer sends a convincing phishing email that appears to be from a legitimate online brokerage firm. When a recipient clicks a link in the email and enters their login credentials on a fake website, the scammer uses these stolen details to access the victim's actual investment account and transfer a significant amount of money to an offshore account.

  Explanation: This is cybertheft because an online computer service (email and a fraudulent website accessed via the internet) was used to unlawfully take financial property (money) from the victim's investment account.

• Example 2: A malicious hacker infiltrates a hospital's computer network and deploys ransomware, which encrypts all patient records, appointment schedules, and operational data. The hospital's systems become completely inaccessible, and the hacker demands a large cryptocurrency payment to provide the decryption key.

  Explanation: This demonstrates cybertheft as the attacker used a computer system to interfere with the hospital's ability to use and enjoy its critical digital property (patient data, operational systems) by holding it hostage and demanding payment for its release.

• Example 3: A disgruntled former employee remotely accesses their previous employer's cloud-based inventory management system. They intentionally delete crucial records of stock levels, incoming shipments, and customer orders, causing significant operational disruption and financial loss for the business.

  Explanation: This constitutes cybertheft because the individual used an online computer service (the cloud-based system accessed via the internet) to interfere with the employer's use and enjoyment of their digital property (inventory data and operational systems) by destroying essential information.