Cybercrime continues to rise, posing significant risks to organisations of all sizes. From data breaches to financial fraud, cybercriminals use increasingly sophisticated tactics to exploit human and technical vulnerabilities. Understanding the most common types of cybercrime is the first step towards strengthening your organisation’s cyber security posture.
The internet can be a dangerous place when cybercriminals abuse digital technologies for illegal gain. These activities often result in the theft of sensitive personal, financial, or corporate data, which is then sold or exploited on the dark web. Raising awareness of these threats is critical, particularly during initiatives such as European Cyber Security Month (ECSM), which promotes better cyber hygiene across organisations.
By learning to recognise the warning signs of cybercrime, employees can play an active role in preventing attacks. Below, we outline five of the most common types of cybercrime and share practical steps to help protect your organisation.
Types of Cybercrime
Phishing
Phishing is one of the most prevalent cyber threats facing organisations today. It involves attackers impersonating trusted entities to deceive users into clicking malicious links, downloading infected attachments, or sharing login credentials. These attacks often lead to unauthorised access to email, financial systems, or sensitive corporate data.
How to protect against phishing: Employees should be trained to scrutinise emails carefully, avoid clicking suspicious links, and check for red flags such as spelling errors or unusual sender addresses. Ongoing phishing awareness training significantly reduces the risk of successful attacks.
Learn more in our Ultimate Guide to Phishing.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands payment for their release. These attacks commonly originate from phishing emails or unpatched software vulnerabilities. Even if a ransom is paid, there is no guarantee that data will be restored.
To reduce ransomware risk, organisations should implement regular data backups, keep systems updated, and reinforce phishing prevention strategies. A strong data recovery plan ensures business continuity without rewarding cybercriminals.
Malware
Malware encompasses a wide range of malicious software, including spyware, keyloggers, and trojans. Once installed, malware can monitor user activity, steal sensitive information, or provide attackers with remote access to systems. High-profile cyber-attacks such as WannaCry and NotPetya demonstrate the destructive potential of malware.
How to protect against malware: Keep all systems patched, verify website domains before entering credentials, and use secure password managers. Prompt installation of security updates is essential to closing known vulnerabilities.
Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when attackers use stolen personal information to impersonate victims. This can result in unauthorised bank accounts, fraudulent transactions, and severe financial loss. Often, only small pieces of personal data are required to carry out these crimes.
To prevent identity theft, users should limit the personal information they share online and never transmit sensitive details via email. Awareness of social engineering tactics is crucial to reducing exposure.
Scams
Online scams take many forms, but they often rely on enticing offers that appear too good to be true. These schemes are designed to manipulate victims into sending money or revealing financial details, resulting in direct financial loss.
Users should remain sceptical of unsolicited offers, prizes, or investment opportunities. Encouraging employees to pause, question, and report suspicious communications can dramatically reduce scam-related incidents.
Learn More About MetaCompliance Solutions
Building resilience against cybercrime requires more than awareness alone. MetaCompliance supports organisations by combining education, technology, and actionable insights to address the human element of cyber security. Our solutions help employees recognise threats, respond effectively, and reduce overall cyber risk.
Explore our comprehensive suite of solutions designed to protect your organisation, reduce human risk, and enhance cyber resilience. Our Human Risk Management Platform encompasses:
- Automated Security Awareness
- Advanced Phishing Simulations
- Risk Intelligence & Analytics
- Compliance Management
To see how these solutions can strengthen your organisation’s security posture and protect against modern cyber threats, contact us today to book a demo.
FAQs: How to Protect Against Cybercrime
What is the most common type of cybercrime?
Phishing is currently the most common cybercrime, as it exploits human behaviour rather than technical weaknesses.
How can organisations reduce cybercrime risk?
Regular employee training, strong security policies, and continuous awareness programmes are key to reducing risk.
What role do employees play in cyber security?
Employees are often the first line of defence, as many cyber-attacks rely on social engineering and human error.
What is human risk management?
Human risk management focuses on identifying, measuring, and reducing security risks linked to employee behaviour.