The internet and technology have significantly expanded access to learning and social connection, but that same openness extends to those who act in bad faith. As technology becomes more powerful and more accessible, the digital environment grows increasingly difficult to navigate safely. This challenge falls hardest on vulnerable groups, such as children and older adults, as many bad-faith actors target or exploit their naivety.
In March 2026, President Trump signed the executive order, “Combating Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens,” into effect in hopes of reducing looming threats from hackers or exploiters.
Key Takeaways
Signed on March 6, the executive order focuses on protecting American citizens from cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes.
The initiative emphasizes the importance of international cooperation, ongoing training, and…
Cyber fraud uses technology as the primary weapon. It is highly scalable and can be conducted from anywhere in the world.
- Phishing/Smishing/Vishing: Using deceptive emails (phishing), text messages (smishing), or phone calls (vishing) to trick victims into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive data.
- Business Email Compromise (BEC): A high-value scam where a criminal impersonates a CEO or high-level executive via a “spoofed” email address to trick a staff member into making an urgent, unauthorized wire transfer.