The world has witnessed tremendous advancements in technology and communication in recent years, and the internet has become an essential part of daily life for individuals and businesses.
Despite the great advantages that technology has provided, it has created a new type of crime known as cybercrime, which are crimes committed using electronic devices or the Internet with the aim of harming individuals or institutions or achieving illicit gains.
In Egypt, the legislature has taken steps to address this type of crime by enacting the Anti-Cyber โโand Information Technology Crimes Law (Law No. 175 of 2018). This law establishes a legal framework for data protection and privacy, criminalizes various online acts, and imposes penalties ranging from imprisonment to substantial financial fines.
At the Dr. Hani Hassan Talba Law Firm and Legal Consultations, we believe that legal awareness is the first line of defense against cybercrimes. Therefore, we present this guide to introduce the most important of these crimes, the penalties prescribed for them, and how to protect legal rights when exposed to any cyber attack.
What is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime refers to any illegal act committed using computers, smartphones, the internet, or any technical means with the aim of attacking individuals, data, or electronic systems, or achieving unlawful gain.
These crimes differ from traditional crimes in that they can be committed from anywhere in the world and rely on digital evidence that requires specialized legal and technical expertise to collect and preserve.
Why is Cybercrime Continuously Increasing?
This growth is driven by several factors, most notably:
The widespread adoption of smartphones.
Reliance on social media platforms in daily life.
The growth of online purchasing and digital payments.
The expansion of online banking services.
A lack of legal awareness among some users.
The ease with which perpetrators can conceal their identities using various technical tools.
As a result, cybercrime has become a genuine threat to both individuals and organizations alike.
Prominent Types of Cybercrimes
1st.: Cyber Extortion / Cyber Blackmail
Cyber extortion is one of the most widespread cybercrimes. In this crime, the perpetrator threatens the victim with publishing personal photos, videos, or sensitive information in exchange for money or fulfilling specific demands.
Extortion methods include:
Hacking mobile phones.
Stealing personal photos.
Obtaining private conversations.
Exploiting social media accounts.
The law punishes perpetrators of this crime with penalties that may include imprisonment and fines, depending on the circumstances of each case.
2nd.: Hacking Electronic Accounts
The perpetrator accesses email accounts, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, or other platforms without the owner’s permission.
This results in:
Data theft.
Impersonation of the victim.
Requesting money from friends.
Publishing content that harms the account holder.
This offense is considered a crime punishable under the Anti-Cybercrime Law.
3rd.: Impersonation
Some individuals create fake accounts using another person’s name or picture with the intent of deceiving others, damaging their reputation, or committing fraud in their name.
This can cause significant financial and non-financial damage, especially if the targeted individual is a business owner or a public figure.
4th.: Cyber Defamation, Libel, and Slander
Some people believe that writing an offensive post or comment on social media carries no legal liability. However, Egyptian law punishes online slander, libel, and defamation whenever the legal elements of the crime are present.
Forms of defamation may include:
Publishing fake news.
Damaging reputation.
Publishing photos without permission.
Publishing private conversations.
Using offensive language online.
5th.: Cyber Fraud
Fraudsters rely on various methods to deceive victims, such as:
Creating fake websites.
Sending fraudulent messages.
Impersonating banks.
Requesting bank card details.
Requesting One-Time Passwords (OTP).
These crimes result in the illegal seizure of funds or personal data.
6th.: Corporate Hacking and Data Theft
Many companies are subjected to hacking attempts aimed at:
Stealing customer databases.
Obtaining trade secrets.
Disrupting electronic systems.
Demanding a ransom in exchange for restoring the data.
These crimes cause significant financial losses, in addition to damaging corporate reputations and customer trust.
Legal Penalties
Egyptian law strictly imposes deterrent penalties on perpetrators of cybercrimes. The penalty varies based on the type and circumstances of the crime, and may include:
Imprisonment.
Financial fines.
Confiscation of devices used in the crime.
Closure of offending websites.
Civil compensation for the affected parties.
Penalties may also be aggravated if the crime is linked to harming national security, public institutions, or sensitive data.
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How to Prove Cybercrimes Before the Courts
Some believe that cybercrimes are difficult to prove because they occur over the internet; however, legal reality confirms that these crimes can be proven if handled correctly from the very first moment. Courts rely on digital evidence as one of the most critical means of proof, provided it is collected and preserved in accordance with legal procedures.
Digital evidence that can be relied upon includes:
Screenshots showing abusive conversations or posts.
Text messages or emails.
Audio or video recordings, provided they are legally admissible.
Links to pages or accounts through which the crime was committed.
Technical examination reports issued by competent authorities.
Log files and technical data that establish the identity of the user or device.
It is crucial not to alter or delete this evidence, as doing so may compromise its legal validity before investigative authorities and courts.
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What should you do if you fall victim to a cybercrime?
Acting correctly in the first hours after a crime has occurred can be a crucial factor in protecting your rights, so it is advisable to follow these steps:
1st., keep all digital evidence and do not delete any messages, photos, recordings, or conversations, even if they are bothering you.
2nd., do not respond to the demands of the perpetrator, especially in cyber extortion crimes, because responding often does not end the crime, but rather encourages the perpetrator to ask for more.
3rd., change the passwords for your online accounts and enable two-step verification to safeguard your data.
4th., promptly file a report with the competent authorities and submit all available evidence.
5th., consult a lawyer specializing in cybercrime to obtain legal advice, secure representation during investigations, and ensure that the correct legal procedures are followed.
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Common mistakes made by victims
There are some actions that may weaken the victim’s legal position, most notably: Deleting conversations or photos before saving them.
Responding to the blackmailer or transferring money to them.
The incident was published on social media before legal action was taken.
Attempting to hack into the perpetrator’s account or to take revenge on him, as this may expose the victim to legal accountability.
Delay in filing the report, which may lead to the loss of some digital evidence.
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The Role of a Lawyer in Cybercrime Cases
A lawyer plays a pivotal role in handling this type of case due to its unique nature and reliance on digital evidence and technical procedures.
A lawyer’s duties include:
Assessing the legal position of the incident.
Determining the applicable legal provisions.
Assisting in proper documentation of digital evidence.
Drafting reports and legal memorandums.
Representing the client before investigative authorities and courts.
Claiming compensation for material and moral damages, provided the conditions are met.
Following up on the execution of judgments and legal procedures until the case is concluded.
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How to Protect Yourself from Cybercrime?
Prevention is always better than cure, and the chances of falling victim to such crimes can be reduced by following key guidelines, including:
– Use strong passwords and change them periodically.
– Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all important accounts.
– Do not share personal or banking details with untrusted entities.
– Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.
– Keep your phone and software updated regularly to patch security vulnerabilities.
– Download applications only from official app stores.
– Exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi networks.
Additionally, business owners are advised to establish clear information security policies, train employees on cybersecurity practices, and perform regular data backups.
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The Importance of Legal Consultation in Cybercrimes
In many cases, seeking advice from a specialized attorney at the onset of a problem plays a crucial role in mitigating its legal and financial consequences. An attorney’s role extends beyond merely filing a lawsuit; they provide appropriate legal guidance, assist in preserving evidence, and determine the best avenues for recovering rights in accordance with the law.
Furthermore, legal consultation helps both companies and individuals avoid committing technology-related violations, while also establishing legal policies that safeguard data and privacy.
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Why Choose Dr. Hani Hassan Talba Law Firm and Legal Consultations?
Dr. Hani Hassan Talba Law Firm and Legal Consultations possesses extensive expertise in handling various types of cybercrimes and information technology cases. The firm is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to both individuals and corporate clients, starting from examining the incident and gathering evidence, to drafting formal complaints and legal memorandums, and representing clients before investigative authorities and competent courts.
The firm is committed to delivering professional legal solutions built on confidentiality, precision, and swift action, while striving to protect clients’ rights and achieve the best possible outcomes.
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Cybercrime has become one of the most critical legal challenges in the digital age. It is no longer limited to a specific group, as any individual or company can fall victim to it. Therefore, legal awareness, prompt action, and seeking the assistance of a specialized attorney are essential factors for protecting rights and mitigating damages.
If you have been a victim of a cybercrime or wish to obtain specialized legal advice, Dr. Hany Hassan Tolba Law Firm and Legal Consultations is prepared to provide the necessary legal support and take all measures provided by law to safeguard and defend your rights with complete professionalism.