In the early years of the dawn of this millennium, focus has been largely on computing power and the vindication of “Moore’s Law”. Essentially, Moore’s Law is not a law in the traditional sense of other laws of physics, but more of an observation of historic trends showing the doubling, every two years, in the number of transistors in an integrated circuit (IC) commonly known as a computer chip or microchip. These chips are central in determining the computing power of a computing device. Nowadays, focus has shifted more towards the convergence of computing devices in their simulation of human intelligence. The convergence has resulted in many now becoming more dependent on computing devices than ever before, having many aspects of their lives affected by or involving the automatic use of computing devices. The increased convenience of such usage and dependence has meant that criminals are no longer just in the streets waiting to pounce on victims, but that with each device, its users are potentially carrying a virtual criminal wherever they are, waiting to pounce at the slightest opportunity they get. By Nimroth Gwetsa, 27 June 2024.

Like physical crime, many make the mistake of assuming that cybercrime is committed through “brute force” attacks against one’s device to steal from victims. Only a fraction of sophisticated criminals requires intricate knowledge of computer programming skills to hack into complex systems. Many ordinary criminals do not even require any knowledge of computer programming but capitalise on vulnerabilities in the behaviour of those in possession of connected computing devices. Every Internet connected smart device user either enables or discourages becoming a victim of cybercrime. The enablement of non-brute-force type of cybercrime attacks depends on how well people manage their beliefs which in turn affect their feelings or reasoning afterwards. I am mentioning beliefs because everything hangs on it and feelings or reasoning follow(s) afterwards.

Beliefs regulate emotions and reasoning. These in turn have a direct effect on the decisions made. Those decisions can determine whether one becomes a victim or enabler of cybercrime or prevents it from occurring. Beliefs affect one’s perception of the truth or its meaning. Truth is that which is, meaning, it is an unchangeable reality of that which is, and not about what one thinks it is or want it to be. It’s just is. Truth is the I AM of reality. One either takes it or leaves it, but truth remains unaffected, only that one is affected by it and one’s decision or actions would be measured against it. Many know the saying by Christ that “…ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free”. When truth is ignored, decision made, and action taken, chances of becoming a victim of cybercrime are heightened. Cyber-criminals know this and take advantage of victim’s readiness to compromise their beliefs on what the truth is, and willingness to “bend” the truth that they become overwhelmed by feelings and go on to make the wrong decisions and act foolishly.

Bending the truth can increase naivety and chances of becoming a victim of cybercrime. Aside from naivety, the three key feelings that can cause the victim to ignore the truth resulting in wrong decisions made are about greed, fear and empathy.

Greed mainly comes from a lack of contentment, and coupled with a compromise of the truth, can result in one becoming a cyber-victim. Many cybercrime activities by criminals target this aspect of human behaviour. They send messages inducing a sense of greed in victims and when truth is compromised or bent, victimhood occurs. Why would you entertain messages saying “…your parcel is awaiting delivery but it is delayed because of outstanding small release fee” when you know you have not ordered anything and therefore should not be expecting delivery of anything? When you compromise on this truth and give in to the insatiable desire for material gain of something you did not work for or commission, you should not be surprised becoming a cybercrime victim later.

Fear can be induced either by the desire to not to be seen to have made a foolish decision, or it could stem from greed because of a fear of missing out. Like greed, fear takes root when truth is ignored or compromised. Fear can be overcome with the truth. Knowledge of the truth and its application can pacify the fear or enable sound mitigation of the risks. Fear can also induce greed in one’s reluctance to miss out (FOMO). In such situations, fear can be overcome by reviewing one’s suspicions. The saying “If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is” should also guide in determining the truth behind the fear of missing out and becoming a victim of cybercrime. Criminals capitalise on victims dismissing such warnings when they rationalise giving in by saying “They have nothing to lose in trying it out.” Be content, or at least pursue honest opportunities. In that way, you would not embolden criminals.

Empathy is when criminals capitalise on the inherent desire by many to assist the vulnerable or those perceived as such. Criminals target the desire by victims to help those known or close to them and in need of help. Criminals thus pretend to be those known or closer to victims to beg for favours or urgent financial assistance. The truth is compromised when the victim becomes presumptuous and does not authenticate the identity of the person contacting them with such requests but goes ahead and gives in to those requests. Usually, victims are reluctant to be seen to be unwilling to help those known or closer to them, thus readily give in to the requests only to learn belatedly that they have been defrauded. A simple step of either video calling the requester or requesting details to authenticate the true identity of the requester can save many from becoming cybercrime victims. But, many do not have the time or desire to go to such lengths, hence learn belatedly that they have been defrauded.

As seen from all the examples, belief and truth are the foundation of whether one becomes a victim of cybercrime or a victor against it. Make truth your friend and it will set you free indeed!