Cybersecurity and Criminal Conduct: A Criminological Perspective from the Profile of a Colombian Army Non-Commissioned Officer

Abstract

In the digital age, cybersecurity stands as a fundamental pillar for protecting information, a primary asset for citizens, governments, and the National Army. This documentary analysis explores the intrinsic relationship between cybersecurity and the criminal behaviors that proliferate due to a growing reliance on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Traditional criminology has transcended the physical realm to converge with cyberspace, which is now a vital operational domain for critical military infrastructure. This shift presents unprecedented challenges due to the sophistication and speed of threats like ransomware, phishing, and DDoS attacks. In this context, the training of Criminology Technologists is crucial. A relevant curriculum, based on active methodologies, must prepare them not only to identify crimes but also to understand the modus operandi of cybercriminals. Concurrently, the research highlights the profound and often underestimated psychological harm caused by cybercrime. Cyberbullying, fraud, and identity theft can lead to anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and a severe decline in emotional well-being. The study concludes that a comprehensive approach is imperative, one that combines specialized training for military personnel, prevention through digital education, and a robust system of psychological and legal support for victims, thereby ensuring security in cyberspace