Cyber attacks and their criminal implications

Abstract

This article aims to contribute to the understanding of cybercrimes. To achieve this goal, we sought to develop a timeline with the main legislations addressing the subject in the national legal system. Some of the main hacker attacks listed by Microsoft™ were addressed, including Malware, DDoS, phishing, SQL injection, botnets, and ransomware attacks. Next, virtual crimes defined in Brazilian legislation were presented, such as invasion of computer devices, interruption or disturbance of computer/telematic services, digital fraud, electronic fraud theft, insertion of false data into information systems, unauthorized modification or alteration of information systems, and credit card cloning/fraud. Additionally, some improper crimes were discussed. Following recent jurisprudential understandings, the crime of virtual rape of a vulnerable person was discussed, as well as the analysis of cyberbullying and the offenses resulting from its practice. Considering that the daily use of technologies requires caution in the face of potential risks and vulnerabilities, it is believed that this article can serve as a guiding instrument for further exploration of the proposed theme, emphasizing the importance of understanding cyber attacks and their legal implications, as well as highlighting the relevance of awareness and adoption of cybersecurity measures to mitigate the risks associated with the use of technologies.