What is Cybercrime?
While advancing technology and digitalization make life easier, they also provide new opportunities for individuals and groups intending to commit crimes. Therefore, traditional crimes are now being replaced by cybercrime or cyber offenses.
Cybercrime can be direct attacks on information systems, as well as indirect crimes where systems are used as tools.
How many Types of Cybercrime are there in Turkey?
1. Direct Cybercrime
It is regulated under the title “Crimes in the Field of Information Technology” in Turkish Criminal Code (TCK) with law number 5237:
TCK Article 243: Unauthorized access to information systems
TCK Article 244: System interference, corruption, data destruction or alteration
TCK Article 245: Misuse of bank or credit cards
Examples:
Unauthorized access to social media accounts
Theft or deletion of data
Copying credit card information
Bank account attacks
Hijacking online gaming accounts
Since these crimes are considered “Crimes Against Society,” the Public Prosecutor’s Office initiates investigations ex officio.
2. Indirect Cybercrime (Crimes Committed Through Information Systems)
The target is not the information system itself, but the system is used as a tool to commit the crime.
Examples:
Insult, threat, blackmail through social media
Internet fraud (fake e-commerce sites, etc.)
Phishing attacks via email or message
Where to Report Cybercrime?
Collecting evidence before it disappears is crucial. It is recommended to get support from a digital forensics expert in this process.
Places where complaints can be filed:
Nearest Police Department or Gendarmerie Command
Cybercrime Prosecutor’s Office at courthouses (or Duty Public Prosecutor’s Office if unavailable)
Cybercrime Investigation Department
Digital Forensics Expertise and Support
Digital forensics experts collect, analyze, and report digital evidence in accordance with the law. These reports can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.
DNA Criminal and Digital Forensics Consultancy provides professional solutions to individuals and organizations regarding digital security and protection against cybercrime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Cybercrime
1. What is cybercrime?
Crimes committed through computers, internet, or mobile devices.
2. What are the most common cybercrimes?
Threats and insults through social media
Credit card fraud
Identity and account information theft
Online fraud
Phishing attacks
3. Where can cybercrime be reported?
To the police, gendarmerie, prosecutor’s office, or Cybercrime Units.
4. What are the penalties for cybercrime?
TCK 243: Unauthorized system access → Up to 1 year imprisonment
TCK 244: Data destruction/corruption → 2-6 years imprisonment
TCK 245: Credit card fraud → 3-6 years imprisonment
5. Are threats or insults through social media considered cybercrime?
Yes. These acts fall under crimes committed through information systems.
6. What evidence is important in cybercrime cases?
Screenshots (with date/time)
Email and message records
Bank transaction records
IP address logs
7. My identity was stolen, what should I do?
Notify banks and institutions, cancel your cards, and file a complaint with the prosecutor’s office with evidence.
Contact
For technical support, forensic reporting, and professional defense;
0552 676 11 00