This post will show you the top countries notable for cybercrime.
We often focus on cybercrime as a single, uniform entity when discussing malware and cyberattacks. However, the code used to develop computer viruses, the process by which the campaign originated, and the goals it targeted do not go unnoticed by cybersecurity specialists.
While it is true that cybercrime exists in virtually every country in the world today, some countries have undoubtedly contributed to the main threats.
Knowing them allows us to predict how they will evolve and what we expect from them. Some of the most wanted hackers by the FBI come from these geographies.
Table of Contents
Top Countries Notable For Cybercrime
1. Russia
The preferred victims of these cybercriminals are in Europe and the US. They have had to adapt to their security measures in these countries. These measures consist primarily of bank credentials and double-factor authentication through SMS, coordinate cards, etc.
In this sense, cybercriminals manipulate users to see what they want, using web injection techniques to bypass these types of protection measures. This is why you should check out our website security guide.
The Russian hackers are one of the best-known, thanks to the high-impact cyber attacks they usually carry out. Some attacks have political motivations that are more typical of cyberwar than cybercrime.
One of the most famous Russian cybercrime groups is APT28.
APT28 has been involved on numerous occasions in cyberattacks as a weapon of war, for which a great deal of literature exists.
Undoubtedly, the fact that they remain at the top of the list for years makes researchers wonder what the keys to this “success” are.
One of the most debated is related to the educational system of the country, which, since the time of the Soviet Union, promoted studies in science and mathematics and the concern for scientific knowledge.
Today, the same educational system arouses the curiosity of the youngest with subjects closely related to computer science and programming.
Others decide to support specific processes within the cybercriminal value chain by assisting with essential matters in exchange for money, sometimes without realising it.
Nevertheless, young Russians enter the market with skills and knowledge far ahead of their peers in other countries.
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2. Brazil
The Brazilian criminals are climbing global rankings for the impact of their actions, making them just as dangerous and relevant as Russian hackers.
Once again, depending on the protection measures incorporated into the organizations, the style of the criminals varies. In this sense, banks in Latin America have developed protection systems centered, in addition to credentials, on methods for verifying the identification of the device through which the user connects to their online banking.
This protection philosophy forces cybercriminals to develop remote access control techniques, such as ARP spoofing, to mitigate user theft. This is something that Brazilian criminals have been developing with great success; the latest one, CannibalRAT (February 2018), has extended throughout Latin America.
In general terms, Brazilian cybercriminals tend to be inspired by the Russians.
They turn to their black market in search of new trends and novelties to steal, and are the masters of the rest of the cybercriminals in Latin America.
On the other hand, the digital leap in Latin America is relatively recent but very fast, which forces organizations to develop strategic plans against cybercrime.
Thus, in this sense and general terms, the criminals of this country seek to develop easy formulas to steal with very little exposure to risk.
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3. China
China is one of the top countries notable for cybercrime and should be on our list. The preferred victims of these cybercriminals are mainly in Asia, the Pacific, and Australia. Banks in these geographical areas implemented similar security measures to those in Europe.
Among the most common thefts is sending false mass SMS messages to victims to facilitate fraudulent transfers.
Paradoxically, one of the most striking elements is that a significant portion of China’s cybercriminal infrastructure is located outside the country. Possibly very related to the harsh legislation of the country, where communications are intercepted, and intelligence services are very present.
We should not be fooled by their cyber-attacks being unsophisticated at the beginning of the Century.
These Cyber-attacks vary based on complete malware packages phishing that could be bought on the black market.
The rapid technological adoption that the Chinese have undertaken has also impacted their cybercrime.
And year after year, they became more sophisticated until they could steal millions of dollars thanks to the development of magnificent social engineering tactics.
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4. Nigeria
Success and poverty make Nigeria a Mecca for online fraud, according to an analysis by the New York Times.
According to the study, advanced fraud began in the 1980s, when oil prices plummeted, and inflation rates of around 40 percent weakened the purchasing power of many Nigerians.
Fraudsters sent faxes and letters to businesses in the UK and the US with fake insignia of financial institutions. The very first lure call is said to have been: The crude oil cargo of a cargo ship could be purchased at ridiculously low prices if an advance was paid in return. The oil, of course, did not exist.
Payments were often made; even so, this necessity often became a virtue, and the fraudsters found many imitators. The oil fraud soon had many variants.
At the end of the 1990s, the Internet entered cafés, making it even cheaper for perpetrators to reach a wider audience. The leading email provider of the time called them “Yahoo-Yahoo-Boys.” Today, they are a vital part of the Nigerian criminal landscape.
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Nigeria can’t handle cybercriminals alone. This makes the fight against crime both a technical and a social challenge.
The Nigerian Cybercrime Act makes online offences explicitly punishable and is intended to have a deterrent effect, but it has only been in existence since 2015. The police authorities still lack the skills to uncover organized Internet crimes.
Top Countries Notable For Cybercrime: Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has the highest incidence of cybercrime?
It’s difficult to pinpoint a single country with the “most” cybercrime in Africa. Data can vary depending on the reporting methodologies used. However, some African nations consistently rank high in terms of cyber threats:
- South Africa: Often cited as a hub for cybercrime activity in Africa, with a high volume of detected threats.
- Nigeria: Another country facing significant cybercrime challenges, with reports of online scams and financial fraud originating there.
- Kenya: Emerging as a target for cyberattacks, with a growing number of incidents reported.
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Which country is number 1 in cyber security?
Determining the absolute “number 1” in cybersecurity is complex. Different countries excel in various aspects. Some contenders consistently rank highly include:
- Israel: Known for its advanced cybersecurity industry and expertise.
- Singapore: Recognized for its robust cybersecurity infrastructure and government initiatives.
- The United States possesses significant cybersecurity resources but faces numerous cyberattacks.
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Which country has the highest cybercrime?
Similar to the African question, there’s no single answer. Reports often focus on specific types of attacks or targeted regions. However, some countries frequently appear on “most cybercrime” lists:
- China: Often associated with state-sponsored cyberattacks and intellectual property theft.
- Russia: Another nation linked to cyber espionage and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.
- United States: A target for many cyberattacks due to its technological infrastructure and economic importance.
Which country has the best cyber security in the world?
As mentioned earlier, it’s challenging to name a definitive leader. Cybersecurity is an ongoing battle, and vulnerabilities exist everywhere. However, countries with strong defense measures and a focus on proactive security practices tend to fare better.
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What is Nigeria ranked in cybercrime?
While an exact ranking might be challenging, Nigeria is recognized as a significant player in cybercrime activity in Africa. Reports suggest it’s a source of online scams and financial fraud.
Wrapping Up…
There you go! Top countries notable for cybercrime.
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About the Author:
Abraham Faisal is a professional content writer. He has a strong passion for online privacy, cybersecurity and blockchain and is an advocate for online privacy. He has been writing about these topics since 2018 and is a regular contributor to a number of publications. He has a degree in Computer Science and has in-depth knowledge of the ever-evolving world of digital security. In his free time, he likes to travel and explore new cultures.
Christian Schmitz is a professional journalist and editor at SecureBlitz.com. He has a keen eye for the ever-changing cybersecurity industry and is passionate about spreading awareness of the industry's latest trends. Before joining SecureBlitz, Christian worked as a journalist for a local community newspaper in Nuremberg. Through his years of experience, Christian has developed a sharp eye for detail, an acute understanding of the cybersecurity industry, and an unwavering commitment to delivering accurate and up-to-date information.
