Cybercrime is a serious issue, and no country is immune.
In Canada, police services have been working to combat cybercrime, but the battle is hard-fought and challenging. According to CBC News, Canada was lagging behind many other countries in fighting cybercrime as of the end of 2015. Even with $245 million spent in Canada between 2010 and 2015 to safeguard infrastructure, educate the public and defend government computers, progress was difficult.
The Heart of the Problem
Primarily, the problem lies in a lack of public education, along with poor understanding of how to truly safeguard computers and networks. Police services have helped track down and catch some cyber-criminals, but many criminals are in other countries and can virtually disappear making them nearly impossible to catch, says the RCMP. Even if they are caught, prosecuting them can be difficult and complicated because of international rules and regulations along with the cost of attempting to extradite and prosecute someone from another country.
What Can Be Done to Help?
More training for police services is one of the ways that cybercrime in Canada can be handled. When the police know what to do to help people who report identity theft and other cybercrimes, more gets done. Additionally, word gets out that help is available, which can mean more people coming forward to report the problem. Obtaining a bachelor of arts degree in policing from Wilfrid Laurier University Online can provide current and former members of the Canadian police service with tools they can use against cybercrime to provide help and support to the public.
Additionally, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have created a cybercrime strategy that is designed to define cybercrime and create an operational framework for dealing with it. By understanding what they are up against and what they can and cannot do within the confines of current law, the police services in Canada are better able to focus on how they can help the public.
Understanding What the Future Holds
It will take time and effort, from the public and the police service, to make adjustments that will reduce the incidence of cybercrime. Additionally, laws and regulations may have to be changed to catch and prosecute criminals who are engaged in this type of behavior. In time, and with the right knowledge and plan, the Canadian police will be able to reduce cybercrime throughout the country.