CHAPTER TWO: THE GLOBAL PICTURE
unauthorized computer access. These are not, however, always in the same direction as those
perceived by law enforcement.
The theme that the prevalence and threat of cybercrime varies according to who is asked is
well exemplified
Figure 2.2: Most significant cybercrime threats ‐ views of Member states
by comparison
7%
Computer‐related production, distribution or
of results from
possession of child pornography
16%
Computer‐related acts causing personal harm
countries and
9%
the
private
Computer‐related solicitation or ‘grooming’ of
children
sector.
When
Computer‐related identity offences
asked
which
Breach of privacy or data protection measures
9%
cybercrime acts
13%
Computer‐related acts in support of terrorism
constitute the
offences
Computer‐related fraud and forgery
3%
most significant
Sending or controlling sending of SPAM
threat (in terms
5%
2%
of seriousness
Computer‐related copyright and trademark offences
3%
2%
and loss or
Production, distribution or possession of computer
misuse tools
2%
damage),
the
5%
Illegal access, interception or acquisition of computer
data
answers of law
Illegal access to a computer system
enforcement
24%
Illegal data interference or system damage
institutions were
Source: Study cybercrime questionnaire. Q81. (n=59, r=138)
similar to those
given regarding the most common acts – showing roughly equal distribution between financial-driven
acts, content-related acts, and acts directly against computer systems or data.
In
Figure 2.3: Most significant cybercrime threats ‐ views of private sector organizations
contrast,
as
Computer‐related production, distribution or
might
be
possession of child pornography
2%
4%
expected,
10%
Computer‐related acts causing personal harm
2%
private sector
Computer‐related solicitation or ‘grooming’ of
organizations
children
18%
Computer‐related identity offences
viewed
acts
19%
against computer
Breach of privacy or data protection measures
systems as a
Computer‐related acts in support of terrorism
offences
significantly
Computer‐related fraud and forgery
greater threat
Sending or controlling sending of SPAM
than
other
8%
types
of
Computer‐related copyright and trademark offences
cybercrime.
Production, distribution or possession of computer
misuse tools
Illegal access,
6%
Illegal access, interception or acquisition of computer
interference or
data
23%
8%
Illegal access to a computer system
damage
are
Source: Study cybercrime questionnaire (private sector). Q56. (n=8, r=51)
viewed by the
Illegal data interference or system damage
private sector
as a greater threat than all other types of cybercrime. This reflects a primary concern of private
sector organizations for the confidentiality, integrity and accessibility of their computer systems and
data.
During information gathering for the Study, private sector organizations highlighted key
cybercrime threats and risks, including ‘unauthorized access to and exfiltration of intellectual property’;
27