The Rise of Cybercrime: Challenges and Precautions in the Digital Age

Technological advancements have simplified our daily lives but have also increased the number of precautions required to navigate the digital world safely. Cybercrime—a criminal activity that involves the use of computer systems—has grown significantly. This rise is driven not only by a perceived sense of impunity among offenders but also, and more importantly, by society’s increasing dependence on technology in all aspects of life.

In Portugal, technology-related crimes are regulated by the Cybercrime Law, which has been adapted over time to reflect the evolving realities of cyberspace, keeping pace with rapid technological developments. Cybercrime can take various forms, the most common being phishing, online fraud, cyberbullying, ransomware, and extortion.

At present, phishing is one of the most prevalent and effective forms of cybercrime. Offenders, often posing as official entities or even acquaintances and family members, send fraudulent links via email or messaging platforms. When victims click on these links and provide personal information—such as passwords or credit card numbers—the criminals gain access to sensitive data. In many cases, phishing serves as a gateway to another crime: ransomware. In ransomware attacks, offenders encrypt the files on a computer system, rendering them inaccessible to the user, and demand a ransom in exchange for restoring access.

Online fraud encompasses a wide range of deceptive practices, including scams related to purchases or sales conducted through e-commerce platforms, online games, social media, or dating applications. Criminals devise schemes to mislead victims in pursuit of illicit financial gain or other advantages.

With the increasing use of social media and the frequent sharing of personal information, cyberbullying has become an increasingly common offense. This type of crime can take many forms, such as hate messages, online defamation, unauthorized sharing of images or videos (often connected to extortion), and online harassment (stalking).

If you are a victim—or believe you may be a victim—of cybercrime, it is essential to preserve all possible evidence, such as messages, screenshots, and logs of relevant activity.
Furthermore, reporting the crime and seeking legal advice are critical steps. Caiado Guerreiro is available to provide legal assistance on any issues that may arise in this context. Click here to schedule a consultation with one of our professionals.