Crimeware

Crimeware is a class of malware designed specifically to automate cybercrime.^[1]

Crimeware (as distinct from spyware and adware) is designed to perpetrate identity theft through social engineering or technical stealth in order to access a computer user's financial and retail accounts for the purpose of taking funds from those accounts or completing unauthorized transactions on behalf of the cyberthief.^{[citation needed]} Alternatively, crimeware may steal confidential or sensitive corporate information. Crimeware represents a growing problem in network security as many malicious code threats seek to pilfer valuable, confidential information.

The cybercrime landscape has shifted from individuals developing their own tools to a market where crimeware, tools and services for illegal online activities, can be easily acquired in online marketplaces. These crimeware markets are expected to expand, especially targeting mobile devices.^[2]

The term crimeware was coined by David Jevans in February 2005 in an Anti-Phishing Working Group response to the FDIC article "Putting an End to Account-Hijacking Identity Theft".^[3]

^ Jakobsson, M; Ramzan, Z. (6 April 2008). Crimeware: Understanding New Attacks and Defenses. Addison-Wesley Professional. ISBN 0-321-50195-0.
^ Gad, Mamoud (2014). "Crimeware Marketplaces and Their Facilitating Technologies". Technology innovation management review. 4 (11): 28–33.
^ "Putting an End to Account-Hijacking Identity Theft". Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. 5 January 2004. Retrieved 18 December 2023.

[CU_1-1] Jakobsson, M; Ramzan, Z. (6 April 2008). Crimeware: Understanding New Attacks and Defenses. Addison-Wesley Professional. ISBN 0-321-50195-0.

[2] Gad, Mamoud (2014). "Crimeware Marketplaces and Their Facilitating Technologies". Technology innovation management review. 4 (11): 28–33.

[PAE_1-3] "Putting an End to Account-Hijacking Identity Theft". Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. 5 January 2004. Retrieved 18 December 2023.

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