Research and analysis

The nature of online offending

This report describes the profile of online offenders and the nature of their offending.

Documents

The nature of online offending

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This report is based on an analysis of case files held by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) involving offences prosecuted and convicted under the Computer Misuse Act 1990, the Fraud Act 2006, s.127 of the Communications Act 2003, and the Malicious Communications Act 1998. The findings outline the relationship between the victim and offender, technical skills, motivations, and opportunities of the offender, and potential preventative steps that could be taken to reduce vulnerability to victimisation.

Updates to this page

Published 15 October 2015

Sign up for emails or print this page