Cybercrime and Public Safety: The Hidden Threat of the Digital Age

By: Corey Shepherd

Photos: Unsplash, dowjones.com, sociology.ox.ac.uk and sprintzeal.com

“The digital age has brought undeniable progress, from faster communication to life-saving
innovations in healthcare. But as technology advances, so do the threats lurking behind
screens.”

Cybercrime, a broad term for illegal activity involving computers, networks, or the
internet, has become a silent but serious danger to public safety.

Cybercriminals don’t need to be in the same country as their victims. They can strike hospitals, water systems, transit networks, and even your bank account from thousands of miles away.
These attacks aren’t just about stolen data. They can cause real-world consequences like
emergency shutdowns, financial crises, and public panic.

When Hackers Hit Hospitals, Water Plants, and Trains
Critical infrastructure including hospitals, water utilities, and public transit is increasingly
vulnerable. For example, in 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack, traced to North Korean hackers, shut down medical systems across the world. In the UK alone, more than 19,000 appointments were canceled, putting lives at risk.
WannaCry Stats

Water utilities have also become targets. In 2024, American Water was hit with a cyberattack
that disrupted operations and exposed major security flaws. Beyond the technical breakdown, these attacks sparked real fear, people were unsure if their drinking water was even safe.

In Washington D.C., the Metro transit system, used by more than 600,000 people daily, was
breached in 2023. A former IT contractor launched the attack remotely, revealing how
vulnerable everyday systems have become.

Crashing the Economy from a Keyboard
Cybercriminals have moved beyond just stealing credit card numbers. Today, their goal is often to destabilize entire financial systems. The 2016 Bangladesh Bank heist is a good example. Hackers used vulnerabilities in the SWIFT financial messaging system to try and steal $1 billion. While most of the money was recovered, over $100 million still vanished, and global trust in the system was shaken. These kinds of attacks could lead to job losses, inflation, and widespread economic instability. The danger isn’t just in numbers on a screen. It’s the fear, uncertainty, and loss of trust they create in people’s lives.

When Your Personal Data Isn’t Personal Anymore
Cybercrime doesn’t just target governments and businesses. It affects ordinary people too. In 2013, hackers gained access to Target’s system through a third-party HVAC contractor. The result? Over 40 million credit and debit card numbers were stolen. Another 70 million customers had personal information exposed. Stolen data can be used to commit identity theft, drain bank accounts, and ruin credit. And once that information is out there, it’s nearly impossible to get it back. People are left feeling violated and powerless, unsure of who to trust online.

How We Fight Back
Stopping cybercrime isn’t simple, but there are real solutions. New technology like artificial
intelligence, biometric security, and quantum-resistant encryption is already being used to
defend against threats. Laws like the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act
(CIRCIA) are helping ensure faster responses to attacks. States like New York are requiring
stronger data protections through legislation like the SHIELD Act.

Public education is just as important. Many attacks happen because people don’t recognize the warning signs. Schools, companies, and governments need to invest more in cybersecurity training, not just for tech experts, but for everyday people.

Final Thoughts
Cybercrime isn’t just a tech issue. It’s a public safety issue. It threatens hospitals, water,
transportation, money, and even your own identity. But if we stay informed, build smarter defenses, and work together, we can protect the systems we depend on.

This is one threat we can’t afford to ignore.

Sources:
https://www.sprintzeal.com/blog/target-cyber-attack

https://www.dowjones.com/insights/wannacry-ransomware-makes-global-impact/

https://www.sociology.ox.ac.uk/article/world-first-cybercrime-index-ranks-countries-by-cybercrim
e-threat-level