When we talk about the invasion of privacy in real life, we mean the distance we are to keep in someone’s life so that it doesn’t disturb their peace of mind one way or another. In the cyber or internet world, invasion of privacy occurs when you try to look up for someone’s social security number (which if you end up using, can result in a penalty of $1000 or more), or examining anyone’s personal data, medical, credit card, salary etc. without that person’s consent is considered a crime.
What’s the outcome of the invasion of privacy in the cyber world?
There are different penalties and punishments based on the states of America and the different parts of the world for using someone’s personal information as your own. In the state of Georgia, the penalty for computer invasion of someone is around $50,000 along with 15 years in prison.
Nonetheless, it was noted that around 16.4 million Americans had been affected by frauds that included identity theft, stolen credit card numbers, and ATM cards (automatic teller machine cards.)
BJS reports:
U.S Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) has reported that crimes have increased ever since 2015, because of the advancement of the tech world. With the progress, criminals have become stronger and an ordinary citizen has become more and more unaware of the threats that exist.
The victims of identity theft have increased to $1 million (are growing every year) from 2012. The total loss caused was around $11.5 million to $15 million.
The smallest ATM cash fraud attempt was $300 in that year which only tells how common it is to fall victim to these heinous crimes.
Various ways of invasion of privacy:
It seems like nobody’s safe anymore in the world today. We thought of a better future with the latest technology, but with that comes significant dangers to one’s privacy. Various ways your privacy can be invaded is as follows:
Through Hacking
Criminals can not only hack your credit card numbers but also your social security number resulting in more damage to your personal and social life. This happens when there’s a minor glitch or a breach in the system.
Through the Internet
Through e-mails and other sources which make you tap and click on some link, the virus can get in your computer and sometimes it can hack all the information that is stored on your system.
ATM Fraud
This is by far the most common fraud in the world today. As easy it is to get money out of the ATM no matter where you are in the world, it is easier for the criminally minded people to invade your account. This happens when you supply the card in the machine, enter your PIN, there’s sometimes a chip installed inside the ATM that takes the map, that copies your exact number and pin and then makes a duplicate of your card. Criminals can then use your information and duplicate your card to steal money directly from the bank.
Though this crime can easily be caught if the police is cooperative with you, it still tops the list of the invasion of privacy crimes.