Cybercrime: The profession of the future criminal
- Cyberpeace Tech
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
In the digital age, crime has ceased to be improvised or violent and has become a planned, strategic and surprisingly lucrative activity. Cybercrime has become an option for those who see technology as a fast track to financial gain without resorting to physical force or direct contact with the victim.
Nowadays, robbery does not require a mask or a weapon.
All it takes is a computer, a convincing message or a phone call to gain access to personal information, bank accounts or even impersonate identities. These types of practices are becoming increasingly sophisticated, which has led to digital crime being structured as a kind of professional career: with defined roles, hierarchies, specializations and a worrying business logic.
A growing phenomenon: cybercrime in the spotlight
The use of techniques such as phishing, social engineering and the manipulation of personal data has allowed criminals to operate with high effectiveness. In Mexico, as in many other countries, this represents a major challenge for the authorities and for citizens in general, since many victims do not report cybercrime and criminals operate anonymously.
The elderly are one of the most vulnerable groups. Their trust in phone calls or emails makes them easy targets for scams that, although they may seem simple, are designed with great cunning.
Artificial intelligence has enhanced these actions, even making it possible to fake voices or animate images to extort money or carry out fraud on behalf of third parties.
Personal information: the currency of crime
Every time we accept terms and conditions without reading them, or share our data on social networks, we leave a digital footprint. This information, if it falls into the wrong hands, becomes raw material for cybercriminals.
Photos, names of family members, addresses and daily routines can be used to build personalized attacks that are difficult to detect.
The worrying thing is that these actors are not just amateurs. They invest time, resources and training to perfect their strategies, even gaining access to sophisticated technological tools that allow them to operate on a large scale. In this context, cybercrime is not an accident, but a deliberate act within a structure that seeks to maximize profits.
Lack of opportunity and the lure of “easy money”.
In countries with high levels of inequality and limited social mobility, many young people face the choice between years of study with few guarantees or the promise of quick income through cybercrime.
For those living in vulnerable contexts, digital crime seems a viable and often safer solution in the face of impunity.
What was once only possible in futuristic movies is now a tangible reality. While a person sleeps, a bot can be browsing through their bank accounts, shopping online or collecting data, all without arousing suspicion.
Educate to prevent: the key lies in values.
Although it may seem inevitable, this phenomenon can be confronted with concrete actions. Digital education, ethics and values must be reinforced from an early age. In addition, it is essential to foster a culture of online security, in which each user understands the importance of protecting their information and knows how to identify common risks.
Mexico can take as an example the strategies of countries that are investing in cyber education and early fraud detection.
Investing in prevention and knowledge can make the difference between a vulnerable society and one capable of defending itself.
At Cyberpeace, we invite you to stay aware of the digital risks we face every day. Getting informed is the first step to protect yourself in the connected world. Cybersecurity education can make a difference. Do you want to learn how to protect your information and navigate more safely? Follow us on our networks and always stay one step ahead.
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