Two Russian Federal Security Service officers and two criminal hackers were recently charged by the Northern District of California in connection with one of the largest cyber intrusions in history. The indictments were recently announced and allege that between April 2014 and December 2016, the officers directed a cyber intrusion conspiracy that involved malicious files and software tools downloaded through Yahoo’s network. The stolen information was then used to obtain unauthorized access to the contents of accounts. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has emphasized that the investigation proves the importance of early engagement and cooperation between private individuals and the United States government. 

Among the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s major investigative priorities are to protect the United States against foreign intelligence operations and espionage and to protect the United States against cyber security attacks. Over the previous two decades, the federal government has passed many statutes to address the problem of criminal activities that occur on the internet. Because these laws carry significant penalties upon conviction, individuals facing cyber crime charges frequently find it essential to retain the services of skilled legal counsel.

Types of Activity that Constitute Cyber Crime

Cyber crime refers to any type of criminal activity committed by the use of the computer or internet. There are even federal task forces that are dedicated to prosecuting individuals who have committed cybercrime. Some of types of cybercrime are:

• Pornography-Related Offenses. Some types of internet pornography are classified as cyber crimes, including downloading and distributing child pornography. These types of offenses frequently result in very serious penalties.
• Scams. There are a variety of scams that are conducted online including auction fraud, credit card fraud, internet auction fraud, and others.
• Theft. There are some types of theft that are considered cyber crimes including when an individual uses the internet or a computer to defraud for the purpose of financial gain.

Potential Defenses to Cyber Crimes

There are some potential defenses that individuals can raise to charges of cyber crime. One of the most common defenses is that a hacker or an unauthorized user performed illegal activity on another individual’s computer. Fortunately, the FBI recommends several steps that individuals can follow to keep their computer protected, including the following:

• Keep Antivirus Software Active. Antivirus software is designed to prevent software programs from embedding on an individual’s computer. Computer users should make sure to keep antivirus software installed and up to date.
• Leaving a Firewall Turned on. Firewalls help to protect an individual’s computer from hackers. Computer users should make sure to always leave on a computer’s firewall.

How a Skilled Decatur Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

As technology improves, the federal government is placing more restrictions on what constitutes cyber crime. If you are charged with a cyber crime, it is a wise idea to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help create a strong legal defense. Obtain the services of Federal Criminal Law Center today to obtain the skilled and seasoned assistance that you require.