Types of Cybercrimes

Understanding Types of Cybercrimes and knowing how many types of cybercrime exist has become more important than ever for both individuals and businesses. Cybercrimes can range from financial hacking and online fraud to defamation, cyberstalking, and violations of digital privacy, all of which pose serious threats to information and economic security.

Being aware of these types, along with the preventive measures and legal procedures to address them, is essential to protect digital rights and ensure that any cyber threat can be handled safely and effectively under Saudi law.

How many Types of Cybercrimes?

The Types of Cybercrimes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have become increasingly diverse, ranging from minor individual violations to complex technical cases that threaten both information security and economic stability. Understanding the Types of Cybercrimes is essential for individuals and businesses to recognize risks and protect their digital rights under Saudi law. The most prominent Types of Cybercrimes include the following:

  • Unauthorized system intrusion (Hacking): One of the most common Types of Cybercrimes, involving illegal access to computer systems or networks to obtain sensitive data or disrupt digital services.
  • Electronic financial fraud: Among the most dangerous Types of Cybercrimes, this offense is carried out through the misuse of digital tools and online payment platforms to steal money, such as fraud involving phishing emails or fake links.
  • Online defamation and harassment: These Types of Cybercrimes refer to publishing or circulating abusive, false, or misleading content through electronic platforms in a way that harms individuals’ reputations or causes moral damage.
  • Violation of digital privacy: One of the serious Types of Cybercrimes, including identity theft or publishing private photos or personal information without the owner’s consent, leading to severe legal and social consequences.

Saudi authorities deal firmly with all Types of Cybercrimes by enforcing strict laws and penalties to strengthen cybersecurity and protect the digital community.

Legal cases related to the Types of Cybercrimes fall under the jurisdiction of criminal lawyers, whose role includes representing victims, following up on legal procedures, and defending clients’ rights before the competent judicial authorities.

Read More: A Complete Guide to Anti Cyber Crime Law in Saudi Arabia 2026

Types of Cybercrimes
Types of Cybercrimes

How Are Cybercrimes Investigated in Saudi Arabia?

Investigations related to types of cybercrimes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are conducted under specific legal frameworks that define clear procedures and strict regulations to ensure justice and protect digital rights. Understanding how authorities handle the types of cybercrimes helps victims follow the correct legal path and preserve their evidence effectively.

  • Filing an official report: In cases involving any of the types of cybercrimes, the investigation begins with submitting an official complaint to the competent security authorities, either by visiting a police station or through approved digital platforms such as the Kollona Amn application or the Absher platform.
  • Collecting digital evidence: Authorities then secure and document digital evidence related to the types of cybercrimes, including data from computers, mobile devices, and electronic systems used in the commission of the offence. Consulting a criminal lawyer at this stage is often recommended to ensure lawful handling of evidence.
  • Technical examination and analysis: Specialized experts analyze digital evidence linked to the types of cybercrimes using advanced forensic tools, such as reviewing internet activity logs, email records, and stored electronic data.
  • Interrogation of suspects: Once evidence related to the types of cybercrimes is collected and analyzed, the competent authorities proceed with questioning suspects in accordance with legally prescribed procedures.

After completing the investigation, cases involving the types of cybercrimes are referred to the competent court along with all supporting evidence, where judgments are issued based on the submitted documentation and witness statements.

Learn More: What To Know About Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia?

How to File a Lawsuit for a Cybercrime in Saudi Arabia?

If you are a victim of a cybercrime in Saudi Arabia, filing a lawsuit follows a series of legal steps that require careful attention. It is highly recommended to hire a specialized criminal lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected and the case proceeds correctly. The main steps are as follows:

  • Filing an official report: The process begins by submitting a report to the competent security authorities, detailing the cybercrime and providing all available information that may help in identifying and investigating the incident.
  • Documenting and collecting digital evidence: It is essential to preserve all evidence related to the crime, including emails, messages, images, links, or any digital files that demonstrate the occurrence of the criminal act.
  • Investigation by the Public Prosecution: After receiving the report, the Public Prosecution conducts a thorough investigation, collects evidence, and takes the necessary legal measures to identify and charge the perpetrators.
  • Referring the case to the competent court: Once the investigation is complete and the suspect’s identity is confirmed, the case is referred to the competent court for trial, which proceeds according to the legal regulations governing cybercrime cases.

These legal procedures ensure the protection of the victim’s rights and the accountability of the offenders under Saudi law.

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Conclusion:                                                          

As cyber threats continue to rise, awareness of the Types of Cybercrimes and how to deal with them has become crucial for protecting individuals and organizations. Saudi Arabia provides a strict legal framework to combat these crimes, and consulting specialized lawyers, such as Etqan Law Firm, is a key step to ensure proper legal procedures, achieve justice, and safeguard digital rights before the competent courts.

The Etqan Al Mutamayza Law Firm is ready to provide the essential support you need. You can reach their team at the following mobile numbers: +966550600204, +966551020060.

Additionally, feel free to visit our branches located at:

  • Jeddah: Al-Aziziyah District, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia)
  • Riyadh: King Abdulaziz Street, across from the Kingdom Tower
  • Dammam: Al-Ashri’a Street, Al-Badeea, Dammam 32415.

 FAQ

What are the main types of cyber crime?

The main types of cybercrime include hacking, identity theft, online fraud, cyberstalking, defamation, and violations of digital privacy. Each targets individuals, organizations, or governments through digital platforms.

What are the 12 most common types of cyber attacks?

The 12 most common cyber attacks are phishing, malware, ransomware, denial-of-service (DoS), man-in-the-middle (MitM), SQL injection, zero-day exploits, cross-site scripting (XSS), credential stuffing, drive-by downloads, insider threats, and social engineering.

What are the 7 types of cyber security with examples?

The seven types of cybersecurity are network security (firewalls, VPNs), information security (encryption), endpoint security (antivirus software), application security (secure coding), cloud security (access controls), operational security (policies and procedures), and disaster recovery/business continuity (backup systems).

What are the two main types of cybercrimes?

The two main types of cybercrimes are crimes against individuals, such as identity theft and online harassment, and crimes against organizations or the state, such as hacking, financial fraud, and cyber espionage.