Law Enforcement is Losing the Cybercrime Battle
Around the globe law enforcement agencies are facing hardships to counter cybercrime because of its fast emerging nature. Because of rapidly evolving technology, the tactics and methods being used by cybercriminals are also changing on daily basis. Despite versatile efforts to combat cybercrime by the governments, it is being felt that law enforcement is losing the cybercrime battle. In this article I will elaborate the reasons behind this failure and the challenges which are being faced by law enforcement agencies in the fight against cybercrime.
The Growing Threat Due to Which Law Enforcement is Losing the Cybercrime Battle
A wide range of illegal activities like hacking, identity theft, phishing, online fraud, ransomware attacks, and many others are being conducted through the internet. Increased dependency of technology in both personal and professional domains has exponentially raised the opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities of the system.
According to recent statistical data available on web, by 2025 the annual cost of global cybercrime is expected to touch $10.5 trillion. This unbelievable figure highlights the severity and an urgent need for serious effective steps to counter cybercrime. However, despite huge investments in cybersecurity and law enforcement capacity building, the law enforcement is losing cybercrime battle.
Why Law Enforcement is Losing the Cybercrime Battle
There are a number of challenges and factors due to which law enforcement is losing the cybercrime battle. Out of these numerous challenges following are main factor:
1. Rapid Advancements in Technology
One of the basic challenges due to which law enforcement is loosing cybercrime battle is the rapid advancement in technology. Most of the times cybercriminals take the lead to adopt new technologies. According to the newly adapted technology they also adapt new methods of cybercrimes. This quick change of modus operandi makes it difficult for law enforcement to keep up with the same pace. To better understand lets take an example of cryptocurrencies. It has opened new avenues for cybercriminals for money laundering and other illicit activities. Because it is very complicated to trace back the money trail if it is done using cryptocurrencies.
2. Issues of Jurisdiction
After the evolution of the concept of global world cyber space has no territorial limits. Therefore cybercrime is inherently considered to be borderless. This raises valid but horrible challenges due to which lawenforcement is losing the cybercrime battle. For a cybercriminal it is very convenient to operate from one country and target victims in multiple other countries. But for law enforcement it is very difficult to coordinate with multiple countries. Similarly the offender sitting in any other country is very difficult to be prosecuted the victim’s country. Keeping these types of scenarios in mind international cooperation is need of the day. But differences in laws, legal systems, resources, and priorities create hindrances in effective collaboration. Due to these difficulties in international collaboration law enforcement is losing cybercrime battle.
3. Lack of Resources and Expertise
Cybercrime investigations are very resource hungry and require specialized up to date expertise. Many law enforcement agencies cannot or do not keep up with the latest technologies and lack in specialized expertise that is required to effectively combat latest modus operandi of cybercrime. Traditional law enforcement agencies often do not have required technical skills and knowledge. Hence they are unable to firstly understand the nature of crime and secondly to investigate it. On top of it, now a days number of cybercrime incidents has increase many folds. This high volume of incidents overloads law enforcement agencies which causes delayed investigations. In cybercrime delay is investigation is fatal because the nature of evidence is fragile. Hence I say that law enforcement is losing cybercrime battle.
4. Encryption
Encryption is helpful in protecting privacy and securing communications. But encryption adds an extra layer of complexity to law enforcement investigations. Law enforcement agencies face a lot of difficulties in accessing encrypted data and identifying individuals behind it. Cybercriminals exploit its security feature to avoid detection and investigations.
5. Anonymity Tools
A number of tools and online services are available which are used to keep your identity hidden and communicate online as anonymous. These tools and services have user agreements and have a legal cover to refuse the provision of actual identity of user. Use of these services and tools by cybercriminals create extreme difficulties for law enforcement agencies to successfully investigate cybercrime.
Evolving Trends of Cybercrime
Tactics and techniques to exploit vulnerabilities and to avoid detection are constantly evolving. Due to this vibrant nature of cybercrimes law enforcement is losing the cybercrime battle. Effective countermeasures and implementation of sustainable security firewalls is not a solution. Following are some of the emerging trends in cybercrime:
1. Ransomware Attacks
In ransomware attacks cybercriminals hacks victim’s system and encrypts its data. Attackers then demand ransom for decryption key. Ransomware attacks are becoming more and more common and sophisticated. High profile incidents such as the attack on the New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) and East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma in April 2024, have highlighted the destructive impact of ransomware.
2. Phishing and Social Engineering
To deceive individuals and gain access to sensitive information cybercriminals mostly use Phishing and social engineering attacks. Most common strategy that cybercriminals use is to trick victims so that he clicks on malicious links and provides personal details. The personal details obtained through phishing and social engineering can then be used for fraudulent activities.
3. Exploitation of IoT Devices
With every passing day use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in our daily lives is increasing. The increase of IoT devices has posed new vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit. Since IoT devices are comparatively new inclusion in technology devices, it lacks strong security measures. This vulnerability makes IoT devices attractive targets for cybercriminals. One important point to note is that there is no important data to be stolen in IoT devices however, compromised IoT devices are used to launch a large scale Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
Need of Multidimensional Strategy
Keeping in mind the complexities and challenges to combat cybercrime multidimensional approach is need of the day. Collaboration between law enforcement, multiple governments, private sector organizations, and individuals is must to combat cybercrime. Below are some of the key components of an effective multidimensional strategy:
1. International Cooperation
Cybercrime is not confined to territorial borders and has a transnational nature. International cooperation is critical and of utmost importance to combat cybercrimes. Law enforcement is losing cybercrime battle because they find it difficult to work together across jurisdictions. To successfully investigate and prosecute cybercrimes it is important to share information and coordinate investigations. In this regard most effective platform so far is INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Collaborative Platform – Operation (CCP – Operation). This program aims to facilitate cross border law enforcement agency for a strong global response to cybercrime.
2. Cybersecurity Resources & Training
Adequate technical resources and specialized trainings in the field of latest trend and modus operandi of cybercrimes are essential to effectively combat cybercrimes. Law enforcement agencies must keep their gears up to date to combat latest trends and techniques of cybercrimes. This requires investment in cybersecurity education and development of programs which attract and retain skilled professionals. In addition to investment in cybersecurity, the partnerships with private sector organizations are considered necessary to be done. It provides valuable expertise to combat cyber threats.
3. Public Awareness and Education
To prevent cybercrimes it is essential to raise public awareness about the latest cyber threats. Along with public awareness it is also important to promote good cybersecurity practices. Both the general public and corporate sector should be equally educated that how can they protect themselves from latest and upcoming cyber threats like phishing and ransomware e.t.c. Routine common practices like updating software and use of strong passwords, should be propagated as a habit. Only these two habits can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrimes.
4. Strengthening Legal Frameworks
As already discussed that cybercrimes is ever evolving type of crimes and its techniques are always changing with the advancement of technology. Therefore, laws related to cybercrimes also need to be updated periodically so that latest techniques of cybercrimes can be handled. Moreover keeping in mind cross border jurisdiction issues, laws should be enacted which are aligned with international legal framework to facilitate international cooperation.
Conclusion
Law enforcement is losing the cybercrime battle because cybercrime is undoubtedly challenging. Law enforcement agencies are struggling because it is hard for them to keep up with the rapidly evolving cyber threat. It is true that law enforcement is losing the cybercrime battle however, it is possible to combat cybercrime if following steps are taken:
- Adopting multidimensional strategy to include international cooperation.
- Regular updation of resources and training.
- Public awareness.
- Robust cybercrime laws.
- Coordination among all stakeholders to work together.
- Stay ahead of cybercriminals.
- Secure critical infrastructure to protect from devastating impacts.
