Definition ∞ Targeted cybercrime involves malicious activities specifically directed at particular individuals, organizations, or digital asset platforms, rather than broad, indiscriminate attacks. These attacks are often preceded by extensive reconnaissance to gather information about the victim’s systems, vulnerabilities, and personnel. The perpetrators customize their tactics to increase the likelihood of success and achieve specific objectives, such as stealing high-value digital assets or disrupting critical infrastructure. Such attacks are highly sophisticated and resource-intensive.
Context ∞ Targeted cybercrime poses a severe threat to the cryptocurrency industry, with sophisticated groups focusing on high-value targets like major exchanges, DeFi protocols, and prominent investors. News reports frequently detail advanced persistent threats and custom malware used in these campaigns. The defense against targeted cybercrime requires specialized threat intelligence, advanced security analytics, and a proactive security posture. These attacks highlight the need for continuous adaptation of security strategies.