IELTS Vocabulary List: CRIME

  1. Phishing

  • Explanation: A fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by disguising as a trustworthy entity.

  • Example: "The company's employees received phishing emails that appeared to be from their bank."

  1. Malware

  • Explanation: Software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.

  • Example: "The malware infected thousands of computers, causing significant data loss."

  1. Hacking

  • Explanation: Unauthorized intrusion into a computer or network.

  • Example: "Hacking into the government database resulted in severe legal consequences for the offenders."

  1. Ransomware

  • Explanation: Malware that encrypts a user's data and demands payment for the decryption key.

  • Example: "The hospital's systems were paralyzed by ransomware, demanding a hefty ransom in Bitcoin."

  1. DDoS Attack

  • Explanation: A distributed denial-of-service attack aimed at overwhelming a network with a flood of internet traffic.

  • Example: "The website was taken offline by a DDoS attack, disrupting services for hours."

  1. Identity Theft

  • Explanation: The fraudulent acquisition and use of someone's personal information, usually for financial gain.

  • Example: "Online identity theft has become increasingly common with the rise of digital banking."

  1. Social Engineering

  • Explanation: Manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information.

  • Example: "The hacker used social engineering tactics to trick the employee into revealing their password."

  1. Spyware

  • Explanation: Software that secretly monitors and gathers user information without their knowledge.

  • Example: "The spyware collected sensitive data from the victim's computer over several months."

  1. Encryption

  • Explanation: The process of converting information into code to prevent unauthorized access.

  • Example: "Using strong encryption can protect sensitive data from cybercriminals."

  1. Firewall

  • Explanation: A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.

  • Example: "A robust firewall is essential for protecting against cyber threats."

  1. Trojan Horse

  • Explanation: Malware disguised as legitimate software.

  • Example: "The Trojan horse downloaded a keylogger onto the victim's computer."

  1. Botnet

  • Explanation: A network of private computers infected with malicious software and controlled as a group.

  • Example: "The botnet was used to launch coordinated cyber-attacks on multiple targets."

  1. Keylogger

  • Explanation: A type of surveillance software that records keystrokes made by a user.

  • Example: "The keylogger captured all the passwords typed on the compromised computer."

  1. Zero-Day Exploit

  • Explanation: An attack that occurs on the same day a vulnerability is discovered in software.

  • Example: "A zero-day exploit in the operating system allowed hackers to access sensitive data."

  1. Data Breach

  • Explanation: The unauthorized access and retrieval of sensitive information.

  • Example: "The data breach exposed personal information of millions of users."

  1. Cyber Espionage

  • Explanation: The use of computer networks to gain illicit access to confidential information, typically for political or military gain.

  • Example: "Cyber espionage activities have increased among rival nations."

  1. Brute Force Attack

  • Explanation: An attempt to crack a password or encryption by trying all possible combinations.

  • Example: "The brute force attack eventually succeeded in breaking the weak password."

  1. Backdoor

  • Explanation: A method of bypassing normal authentication to gain access to a system.

  • Example: "The attackers installed a backdoor in the software to access the network later."

  1. Cybersecurity

  • Explanation: Measures taken to protect a computer or computer system against unauthorized access or attack.

  • Example: "Investing in cybersecurity is crucial for safeguarding company information."

  1. Digital Forensics

  • Explanation: The process of uncovering and interpreting electronic data for use in a court of law.

  • Example: "Digital forensics played a vital role in solving the cybercrime case."

    Larceny

  • Explanation: The unlawful taking of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently.

  • Example: "He was charged with larceny after stealing several electronics from the store."

  1. Burglary

  • Explanation: Unlawful entry into a building with intent to commit a crime, usually theft.

  • Example: "The burglary occurred while the homeowners were on vacation."

  1. Robbery

  • Explanation: The act of taking property unlawfully from a person by force or threat of force.

  • Example: "The bank robbery was over in minutes, but it left the staff traumatized."

  1. Shoplifting

  • Explanation: The act of stealing goods from a store.

  • Example: "The teenager was caught shoplifting a pair of sunglasses."

  1. Pickpocketing

  • Explanation: Stealing from a person's pockets, often in a crowded place.

  • Example: "Tourists are often warned about pickpocketing in busy areas."

  1. Embezzlement

  • Explanation: The theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one's trust or belonging to one's employer.

  • Example: "The accountant was arrested for embezzlement after diverting company funds to his account."

  1. Fraud

  • Explanation: Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

  • Example: "She was convicted of fraud for falsifying financial statements."

  1. Carjacking

  • Explanation: The act of forcefully stealing an occupied car.

  • Example: "The carjacking incident was caught on the parking lot's security cameras."

  1. Looting

  • Explanation: Stealing goods, typically during a war or riot.

  • Example: "The store was left in ruins after the looting during the protests."

  1. Grand Theft

  • Explanation: A category of theft that involves the unlawful taking of property valued above a certain amount.

  • Example: "They were charged with grand theft for stealing luxury cars."

  1. Identity Fraud

  • Explanation: A subtype of identity theft where someone uses another person's personal information for fraudulent purposes.

  • Example: "Identity fraud can devastate a person's financial standing."

  1. Arson

  • Explanation: The criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.

  • Example: "The warehouse fire was determined to be a case of arson."

  1. Heist

  • Explanation: A robbery from an institution such as a bank or museum.

  • Example: "The jewel heist was meticulously planned and executed."

  1. Smuggling

  • Explanation: The illegal movement of goods into or out of a country.

  • Example: "The authorities intercepted the smuggling operation at the border."

  1. Counterfeiting

  • Explanation: The production of imitation currency, goods, or documents with the intent to deceive.

  • Example: "He was arrested for counterfeiting after producing fake money."

  1. Vandalism

  • Explanation: Deliberate destruction or damage to public or private property.

  • Example: "The historic monument was defaced in an act of vandalism."

  1. Extortion

  • Explanation: The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.

  • Example: "The gang was involved in extortion, demanding protection money from local businesses."

  1. Forgery

  • Explanation: The action of forging a document, signature, or artwork.

  • Example: "The art dealer was convicted of forgery after selling counterfeit paintings."

  1. Blackmail

  • Explanation: The act of demanding money or another benefit from someone in return for not revealing compromising information.

  • Example: "She fell victim to blackmail after her private messages were stolen."

  1. Piracy

  • Explanation: The unauthorized use or reproduction of another's work.

  • Example: "Software piracy has become a growing concern for developers."

  1. Loot

  • Explanation: Goods stolen, especially during a war or riot.

  • Example: "The thieves absconded with a significant loot from the jewelry store."

  1. Fence

  • Explanation: A person who buys and sells stolen goods.

  • Example: "The police arrested the fence who was dealing in stolen electronics."

  1. Mugging

  • Explanation: Assaulting and robbing someone in a public place.

  • Example: "The elderly man was the victim of a mugging while walking home."

  1. Pilfering

  • Explanation: The act of stealing small amounts or things of little value.

  • Example: "The employee was caught pilfering office supplies."

  1. Scam

  • Explanation: A dishonest scheme or fraud.

  • Example: "The online scam tricked many people into providing their credit card details."

  1. Racketeering

  • Explanation: The criminal act of engaging in a racket, such as extortion or fraud.

  • Example: "They were charged with racketeering for running an illegal gambling operation."

  1. Heist

  • Explanation: A robbery or holdup, particularly of a significant magnitude.

  • Example: "The museum heist resulted in the loss of priceless artworks."

  1. Swindle

  • Explanation: To cheat or defraud someone of money or property.

  • Example: "The con artist swindled investors out of millions of dollars."

  1. Trespassing

  • Explanation: Entering someone's land or property without permission.

  • Example: "The farmer filed a complaint against the hunters for trespassing."

  1. Casing

  • Explanation: The act of surveying a location with intent to commit a crime.

  • Example: "The burglars spent days casing the neighborhood before the break-in."