Now is a good time for doing crime

MIT Technology Review

by Mat Honan

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Now is a good time for doing crime In 2012, the author experienced a shocking hacking incident where their iPhone, laptop, and iPad were remotely wiped. Hackers gained access by exploiting publicly available information and a fake credit card number, infiltrating multiple accounts linked to each other. This case highlights how vulnerabilities in emerging technologies can be exploited by criminals, often with little sophistication but significant impact. The article explores how technological advancements create new opportunities for crime while also enabling law enforcement to combat it in innovative ways. For instance, DNA databases have helped solve cold cases like the Golden State Killer, showcasing technology’s dual role in both facilitating and fighting crime. New threats, such as crypto wallets or deepfakes, are emerging alongside unregulated behaviors that exist in legal gray zones. From an AI perspective, this tension between technological progress and criminal activity underscores the need for adaptive solutions. While AI can enhance surveillance and predictive analytics to combat crime, it also raises ethical concerns about privacy and civil rights. The law often struggles to keep up with rapid technological changes, leaving gaps that criminals exploit. As technology evolves, so must our approaches to both committing and preventing crimes, ensuring a balance between innovation

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Originally published on MIT Technology Review on 2/25/2026