What was the primary crime typology by victim loss in 2021 according to cyber-crime trends?

The primary crime typology by victim loss in 2021, according to cyber-crime trends, is Business Email Compromise (BEC). This type of crime involves sophisticated scams targeting businesses, often resulting in significant financial losses. The BEC schemes typically involve the manipulation of email communications to trick employees into transferring money or sensitive information, leading to substantial monetary theft.

In 2021, the reported losses from BEC attacks were notable, primarily due to the increasing reliance on digital communication for business operations. Sophisticated tactics such as impersonating executives or trusted vendors make BEC cases particularly damaging. This method of fraud underscores the critical need for organizations to implement robust cybersecurity training and protocols to safeguard financial transactions from such threats.

While other crime typologies like investment fraud, identity theft, and online harassment do occur with varying levels of impact, they do not compare to the scale of financial losses attributed to BEC during that year. BEC stands out as not only prevalent but also very effective in impacting businesses adversely, highlighting its prominence in the realm of cybercrime.