CJ 305 Module Five Assignment Guidelines And Rubric Overview

CJ 305 Module Five Assignment Guidelines and Rubric Overview

In this assignment, you will explore cybercrime by examining the Target data breach that occurred in 2013. You will evaluate its impact on individuals and the business, explaining the nature of the cybercrime, how it affected affected parties, and whether such an incident would influence your behavior as a consumer. Additionally, you will reflect on whether you or someone you know has been affected by cybercrime, describing the experience.

Paper For Above instruction

The 2013 Target data breach stands as a significant example of cybercrime that had profound implications for both consumers and the retail corporation. This cyberattack involved unauthorized access to Target’s payment processing systems, resulting in the theft of approximately 41 million credit and debit card records, as well as personal information of around 70 million customers (Krebs, 2014). The breach was initiated through a vulnerability exploited in Target’s network, facilitated by malware inserted via compromised third-party vendor credentials. The cybercriminals used sophisticated techniques to infiltrate and exfiltrate sensitive data, highlighting the persistent threats facing large retail organizations in the digital age.

For individuals, the Target breach represented an invasion of privacy and a direct threat to financial security. Consumers who had used their credit or debit cards at Target experienced the risk of identity theft, fraudulent charges, and the need to monitor their accounts vigilantly or seek credit freezes. The emotional distress stemming from such breaches often results from the uncertainty of whether their personal information will be misused, and the inconvenience of managing the aftermath—such as replacing cards and scrutinizing credit reports. Consequently, affected consumers became more cautious about sharing personal information and vigilant in monitoring their financial accounts.

From a business perspective, the breach inflicted substantial damage on Target’s reputation and financial standing. The company faced immediate operational costs associated with managing the breach, including cybersecurity investigations, notification efforts, and credit monitoring services for affected customers. Furthermore, Target suffered a decline in consumer trust, which adversely impacted sales and brand loyalty. The incident underscored the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, employee training, and proactive incident response strategies. In the long term, it compelled Target and other companies to enhance security protocols, adopt stricter data protection standards, and prioritize cybersecurity investments to mitigate future risks.

This cybersecurity incident would likely influence my behavior as a consumer. Recognizing the vulnerabilities and potential repercussions of data breaches, I would become more cautious about sharing personal and financial information online. This might include employing more stringent password practices, using credit monitoring services, and favoring retailers with stronger cybersecurity reputations. The incident emphasizes the importance of consumer vigilance in safeguarding personal data and demanding accountability from corporations regarding data security practices.

Personally, I or someone I know has been affected by cybercrime. For example, a colleague experienced a phishing scam where fraudulent emails impersonated financial institutions, leading to unauthorized access to their bank account. This experience underscored the importance of cyber awareness and the need to verify communications before sharing sensitive information. Such incidents highlight the ubiquitous nature of cyber threats and the necessity for ongoing education on cybersecurity best practices to protect personal and financial information in an increasingly digital world.

References

• Krebs, B. (2014). Target to pay $18.5M for 2013 data breach that affected 41 million consumers. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/02/technology/target-to-pay-18-5-million-for-2013-data-breach.html
• Verizon. (2014). 2014 Data Breach Investigations Report. Verizon.
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