Cyber-dependent crimes

What Are Cyber-Dependent Crimes?

Cyber-dependent crimes, also known as “pure cybercrimes,” are offenses that rely entirely on digital systems to be committed. These crimes include hacking, malware distribution, and unauthorized access to computer systems. Unlike cyber-enabled crimes, which use technology to aid traditional crimes (e.g., fraud, harassment), cyber-dependent crimes are specifically designed to target digital infrastructures.

Examples of cyber-dependent crimes include:

• Unauthorized access: Gaining access to a computer system or network without permission.

• Malware distribution: Spreading malicious software, such as viruses, trojans, or ransomware, which can damage or control the targeted system.

• Denial of Service (DoS) attacks: Overloading a server to disrupt its normal functioning.

• Command & Control (C2) operations: Using C2 servers to control infected machines or networks.

A cybercrime can result in a 20 year sentance, especially if you engage in hacking groups. Hacking groups are often high-priority targets for law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Why Cybercrimes Are Easily Investigated Domestically

Cybercrimes conducted within a single country are typically easier to investigate due to reduced jurisdictional challenges. This applies globally, regardless of the legal framework. Key reasons for the relative ease of domestic investigations include:

1. Access to Data and Resources: Local authorities can access ISP records, metadata, and other digital trails more readily. This access allows investigators to track down suspects based on IP addresses, account details, and activity logs.

2. Coordination with Local Agencies: Cooperation with ISPs, telecommunications companies, and other technology providers is smoother in domestic cases, allowing for more efficient collection of data relevant to the investigation.

3. Application of National Laws: Domestic cases can be prosecuted using national laws, avoiding the complexities of international legal processes like extradition or mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs).

Due to these factors, offenders leaving behind digital evidence within their own country’s borders can be swiftly identified and prosecuted. This legal aspect highlights why its stupid to use Crabbo to harm or troll anyone within your personal circle.

Agencies like Interpol and Europol are armed with cyber divisions aswell, which know how to handle international criminal cases.

Why Using Crabbo for Cybercrime Would Be Easily Traceable

Crabbo is designed as an educational malware analysis framework, and because of its structure, it lacks several features that cybercriminals often rely on to avoid detection. Specifically, Crabbo does not include built-in encryption or obfuscation capabilities. This lack of encryption makes it highly unsuitable for illegal use, as the data transmitted between the beacon (agent) and C2 server is exposed in a raw, readable format.

This is how APT actors can evade detection

• DNS Tunneling: APT groups often use DNS queries to exfiltrate data or communicate with C2 servers. DNS requests are typically allowed through firewalls, making them a useful covert channel for attackers to send and receive data without triggering alarms.

• Fileless Malware: Instead of relying on files that are saved to disk, fileless malware runs entirely in memory, making it much harder for traditional security solutions to detect and remove. This allows attackers to maintain persistence on the target system without leaving obvious traces.

• Custom Protocols and Encryption: To avoid detection by security tools and analysts, APT groups often design custom communication protocols and encrypt their traffic. This helps to hide the malicious activity from intrusion detection systems (IDS) and makes analysis more difficult.

• Living off the Land: Rather than deploying traditional malware, advanced hacker groups may exploit legitimate system tools (like PowerShell, WMI, or legitimate administrative tools) to conduct their attacks. This technique reduces the risk of detection since it leverages trusted system resources.

In real-world cybercrime, encryption and data obfuscation are often used to evade detection by security software and law enforcement. Without these features, Crabbo traffic is easily detectable by network monitoring tools, making it very easy to trace any unauthorized use back to the individual responsible.

Crabbo’s Role as an Educational Tool

It is essential to reiterate that Crabbo is solely intended for educational purposes within secure, controlled environments. Using Crabbo for unauthorized access, unauthorized command execution, or any illegal activity is both unethical and illegal. Due to the lack of encryption and advanced obfuscation, anyone misusing Crabbo outside of a testing lab could be easily identified, investigated, and prosecuted under Czech law.

By working with Crabbo in a controlled, legal environment, users can gain a responsible understanding of cybersecurity tactics and malware analysis without engaging in illegal activities or risking prosecution.

The Ethical Path: Learning Malware Analysis for Positive Impact

Instead of engaging in harmful activities, learning about malware through legitimate tools like Crabbo can pave the way for a career in cybersecurity. Professionals skilled in malware analysis are in high demand across the globe. Ethical opportunities in this field include:

• Reverse Engineering: Analyzing malware samples to understand their functionality and develop mitigation strategies.

• Detection Engineering: Designing systems to identify and block malicious activities before they cause harm.

• Threat Hunting: Actively searching for vulnerabilities and indicators of compromise within networks to prevent attacks.

• Incident Response: Handling breaches and working to contain and remediate threats effectively.

By choosing the ethical route, you can contribute to global cybersecurity efforts while building a rewarding and impactful career.

Engaging in legitimate cybersecurity activities not only helps protect individuals and organizations but also offers a fulfilling path to make a real difference in combating cybercrime. Remember, the skills you learn today could help safeguard the digital world tomorrow.