What is Crimeware?

The software tools used in cybercrime is sometimes referred to as crimeware. Crimeware is software that is:

• used in the commission of the criminal act
• not generally regarded as a desirable software or hardware application
• not involuntarily enabling the crime

Like cybercrime itself, the term crimeware covers a wide range of different malicious, or potentially malicious software.

However, it is important to remember that not all software used in the commission of a computer-based or computer-facilitated crime can be defined as crimeware. For example, while IM client may be used in the commission of a cybercrime¹, the instant messaging application software itself is not considered crimeware. FTP clients may be used in the commission of crimes²; however, they are not considered crimeware.

Crimeware does, however, include programs which may be classified as bots, keystroke loggers, spyware, backdoors and Trojan horses.

¹ For example, child predators often use various IM clients to converse with their intended victims.

² For example, FTP sites are sometimes set up to facilitate the distribution of pirated software.