Cybercrime, illegal activities carried out using computers and/or the internet, ranges from identity theft and phishing scams to ransomware attacks and data breaches. Once considered a niche issue, cybercrime is now at the center of conversations surrounding criminal justice, law enforcement, and national security.
Nearly one in four Americans report experiencing cybercrime, illustrating the widespread and personal nature of this evolving threat that’s reshaping the training of Criminal Justice professionals. Many Criminal Justice programs across the country are adapting in both content and format.
Online Criminal Justice programs are a vital part of the shift, preparing students for careers in digital security and law enforcement in a way that reflects the tech-driven world in which they’ll be working.
The rise of cybercrime
The recent surge in cybercrime, driven by the increasing aspects of daily life moving online, has sparked increased interest and urgency among businesses, individuals, and government agencies, all of whom increasingly rely on digital infrastructure. Additionally, the surge in sensitive data stored online, including financial records, health information, and private communications, makes cybersecurity a top priority across various industries.
Cybercriminals have adapted accordingly by developing sophisticated tactics to invade and evade digital systems, such as phishing schemes, ransomware attacks that lock users out of their files, and even deepfake technology used to impersonate others or manipulate evidence. Those studying to fight cybercrime in online Criminal Justice programs must remain vigilant, as the consequences of these attacks are severe, including financial loss, exposure of personal information, and disruption of essential services.
Financial loss
In 2024, Americans lost $16.6 billion to cyber fraud and internet crimes, representing a 33% increase from the previous year. Phishing, spoofing, and extortion topped the list of complaints, but investment and business email compromise scams cost victims the most money.
Exposure of personal information
Identity theft also remains a significant issue affecting more than one in five Americans, which includes financial, employment, and synthetic ID theft. The impact of exposed personal information through identity theft can last a long time; one in three victims says this theft has lowered their credit score.
Disruption of emergency services
Cybercrime disrupts emergency services’ ability to respond and endangers people’s safety. These attacks compromise communication systems, delay response times, and can potentially lead to data breaches that affect patient care and community safety. A survey found that in 2024, 37% of healthcare organizations said it took more than a month to recover from a ransomware attack. Not only are these attacks increasing in healthcare, but recovery takes longer due to the increased complexity and severity of attacks.
Prepare for careers in digital security!
Course and curriculum upgrades built for the digital age
In response to these challenges, colleges and universities are updating their criminal justice curriculum by adding new courses. At University of Bridgeport, students have the option of studying:
- CPEG-558 Cybersecurity provides students with foundational and advanced knowledge in information security. Through hands-on activities, students gain practical skills to counter cyberattacks and apply security concepts to real-world scenarios.
- CPEG-559 Cybercrime and Cyberterrorism introduces students to the technical, social, and legal aspects of cybercrime and cyber terrorism. This course examines online criminal activity, the actors behind it, and how law enforcement and governments respond.
- TCMG-515 Cyber Security Forensic Analysis introduces students to critical forensic principles, methodology, and tools that enable them to plan, develop, and perform investigations and analysis in the cybersecurity landscape. The course addresses hardware, software, wireless devices, communications, policies, and legal implications to help identify incidents and intrusions.
- CYBER-501 Ethical Hacking meets the needs of students who want to learn about testing an information system’s overall security. Through hands-on activities that practice how to scan, test, hack, and secure information systems, students can set up strong countermeasures and defensive systems to protect critical infrastructure and information.
These courses, among others, prepare online Criminal Justice program students with the knowledge and tools they need to combat cybercrime post-graduation. Many schools are even adding degree tracks focused on cybercrime and cyberterrorism. These programs are online, providing flexibility while also immersing students in the digital environment they’ll encounter on the job.
By learning in an online Criminal Justice program format, students build digital fluency, refine their virtual communication skills, and gain hands-on experience with tools they’ll use in the field one day.
Career paths in cybercrime prevention and investigation
With the rise of cybercrime, career opportunities in this area are expanding rapidly. The cybersecurity workforce reached 4.7 million professionals in 2022, with continued demand in both public and private sectors. Students who focus on cybercrime within their criminal justice program may pursue roles such as:
- Cybercrime Investigator
- Digital Forensics Analyst
- Cybersecurity Analysts within law enforcement or private industry
- Fraud Examiner
- Intelligence Analyst for Government Agencies
- Information Security Specialist
These roles are crucial to protecting sensitive information and ensuring public safety in an increasingly digital world.
Why choose an online Criminal Justice program for a cybercrime-focused career?
Online Criminal Justice programs strategically align with the realities of cybercrime work. Learning in a virtual environment enables students to develop the skills necessary for virtual collaboration, digital research, investigation tools, and real-time case analysis in today’s criminal justice environment.
At University of Bridgeport, the online Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Human Security program evolves with the cybercrime landscape, ensuring students graduate with knowledge that’s current, practical, and relevant.
Meeting the online Criminal Justice program challenge
Cybercrime is a complex and ever-changing threat, but it is also a dynamic and impactful area for those entering the Criminal Justice field. If you’re passionate about law enforcement, digital security, or technology-driven problem solving, consider a cybercrime-focused online Criminal Justice program.
University of Bridgeport offers flexible, fully online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Human Security. Students in the master’s program can take an elective course in Cybercrime and Cyberterrorism, where they explore the evolving digital landscape.