When people get on the internet, they have a tendency to do things that they otherwise wouldn’t. They engage in theft, they say things that they wouldn’t typically say, and they commit acts which they would not normally commit.
What these people don’t realize is that they sometimes skirt the edge of legality. They sometimes break laws, committing cyber-crimes.
With that being said, here are 5 cyber-crimes you should know about.

1. Sexting
Sexting is the act of digitally distributing photos of yourself posed in a sexual manner. While this act is not always considered illegal, it can be considered illegal if distribution is made to restricted individuals.
For the most part, restricted individuals include those who are considered minors. Sending or showing a minor a picture of a person engaged in a sexual activity is against the law, and can land you in some serious hot water.
Breaking this law can not only land you on the sex offender registry, it can also put you in prison for up to 25 years.

2. Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is the word used to describe online harassment. Though this act is not always easy to prosecute, it can be against the law. This is especially true if it results in a suicide, assault, or homicide.
Most cyberbullying occurs over social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, and can be carried out on people of all ages.
There are no cut-and-dry penalties for this crime. A litany of sanctions can be levied against those who commit acts of cyberbullying.

3. Identity Theft
Another cybercrime is online identity theft. This crime involves accessing someone’s private info online, and then using it to steal money or make unwarranted purchases.
Hackers use viruses known as malware to record the online actions of different internet users. They then piece together this information as a means of stealing and manipulating the user’s identity. Credit card numbers, social security numbers, and passwords are all figures which are targeted during identity theft.
Depending on the level of identity theft, this crime can carry serious consequences. At the very least, fines will need to be paid. At the very most, the perpetrator will be forced to spend decades in prison.

4. Viral Attacks
While it’s not illegal to create a virus or malware, it is illegal to spread that virus to other computers.
Viral attacks occur at all different levels, with some viruses hitting just small networks, and others hitting vitally important networks. Typically, the more negative the impact of the virus, the harsher the penalty for its distributor.
In essence, if a virus causes financial or medical ruin, its distributor is likely to face years in prison.

5. Piracy
You’re likely well aware of the fact that online piracy – like all forms of piracy – is illegal in the United States. Online piracy involves using the internet in order to steal or trade copyrighted property.
Most typically committed with the sharing of movies and music, this is one of the most oft-broken cybercrimes.
Those who are found guilty of online piracy can face up to 5 years in prison, with fines of up to $25,000.

Have You Been Charged with a Cyber Crime?
Have you been charged with a cyber-crime? Are you looking for a defense lawyer in the Milwaukee area? If so, we here at Hartley Pecora Law Offices are the people to see.
We’ve defended clients against cyber-crimes of all types, and are more than prepared to defend you. Our team of attorneys will offer a staunch legal defense, minimizing any penalties levied against you.
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Contact us now, we are available 24/7.