What is cyber-crime?

Cyber-crime encompasses a broad range of criminal activities that are carried out using computers or the internet as the primary means of execution. This can include offenses such as hacking, identity theft, online fraud, and the distribution of malware, all of which rely on digital technology to facilitate unlawful behavior. The defining characteristic of cyber-crime is its reliance on electronic communication and technology, distinguishing it from traditional crimes that may not involve digital tools.

Other options describe forms of crime that do not fit the definition of cyber-crime. For instance, physical means of conducting criminal activities are not classified as cyber-related, and targeting specific institutions, like educational facilities, does not capture the essence of cyber-crime since such actions can occur through any medium. Additionally, illegal activities that require face-to-face interactions do not utilize the internet or computers and, therefore, cannot be considered as cyber-criminal activities. Thus, the definition that encompasses crimes performed using computers or the internet accurately captures the nature of cyber-crime.