The Importance Of Computer Crimes

With the growing threat of cyber-terror crimes it is no secret that the victims and potential victims of these crimes would be uneasy. The short terms affects could include loss of valuable information, money, damage to brand and company reputation

Cyberterrorism is a critical threat and is the most definitive characteristic of the U.S. contemporary security environment. For years, the American people have been victimized by cyber-attacks by having their personal information, emails, credit card, and banking information stolen by an invisible enemy named cyberterrorism. These types of attacks seem insignificant however; they are small examples of the vulnerabilities that our cyber world is experiencing. Our vulnerabilities are leaving our public officials in significant danger from cyber-attacks, as they are vulnerable to such things as the release of personal information and home addresses.

Based on Dauphin County First Assistant District Attorney Fran Chardo, “We become a very electronic-oriented society.” (Marc Goodman). With this increase usage of electronic, we see a new set of criminals and crimes. With the cellular telephone, criminals use it, not only to communicate with one another, but also to target people and as a triggering device. For example, if the criminals are searching for someone they can text each other with the description of a person and then upon verification proceed with an order, possible death. With this same cellular telephone technology, law enforcement can use someone’s cellular telephone to track their movements or identify their location to help with investigations. The new set of crimes is cybercrimes. A cybercrime is any crime that involves the use of computer or the manipulation of digital data. Zackary J. Miller, section Chief of the FBI’s Cyber Criminal Division stated, “I think there is a growing cybercrime problem that we are continuing to chase a bit behind the curve… bank robbery and fraud are all facilitated by the internet.” (Bernice Young, 2011). There are five types of computer crimes: (1). internal computer crimes, such as viruses; (2). internet and telecommunication, which is hacking; (3). criminal enterprises, databases supporting drug distribution; (4). computer manipulation, embezzlement; and (5). hardware, software, and information theft. (Schmalleger,

Tomorrow’s terrorist may be able to do more damage with a keyboard than with a bomb (National Research Council1). The United States Department of States defined terrorism as: “…premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against non-combatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents.” Terrorism not only occurs on the real life today but also on the internet. As the technology rapidly developed, there is an increase in the usage of internet, the threat comes along the way. Due to the occurrence of internet terrorism-generating fears to the public, the term “Cyberterrorism” was coined by Barry Collin in the 1980’s (Cyberterrorism Defined). The definition of cyberterrorism differs from various legal systems and government

Like real terrorists, cyberterrorists are politically motivated. They utilize vast information technology and networks to further their agendas and attack through communication, utilities, and airport systems. For example, the terrorist group called the Internet Black Tigers attacked the Sri Lankan government with “suicide e-mail bombings” in order to get their message and motive across. Cyber-based terrorist attacks have advantages over physical attacks because they are cheaper and don’t require an investment in weapons and can be plan and conducted anonymously. Even though there is an awareness to the severity of potential terrorist attacks, a very limited amount can be done to try to prevent them. Many things are not protected on the Internet and privacy-rights are a heavily debated issue that gets in the way of intrusive security measures. Cyberterrorism is a growing issue that is difficult to defend

†As †the internet growsn it will offer terrorists a way to control the spread of their propaganda, They are able to recruit supporters, They can learn how to build improvised explosive devices (IED), and to solicit people for financial contributions to help go towards their cause. One of the most common threats that transnational groups poses is cyber crimes. If they are able to access importannt and high security systems they may be able to control military installations, power plants, rail & air traffic control centers, banks and telecommunication networks. † Other targets include police, medical, fire and rescue systems, and water systems.(The white

There are four major categories in computer crime. The first is the computer as a target. Then would come the computer as an instrument of a crime. Followed by computer as an incidental to a crime. Not to mention crimes associated with the prevalence of computers. These four major categories are what contributes to digital crimes, involving the worldwide web.

The world is becoming more and more digital everyday, things as simple as the lights in our houses can be linked to a network. Nevertheless, these networks can be a window of opportunity for cyberterrorist groups, or hacktivists to exploit. Technology has also given the resources needed for these groups to become more efficient at what they do, like increasing bandwidth speeds or more efficient computers for example, but also the same technologies can be used to strengthen security measures against these attacks.

The World Wide Web, or the Internet as most people call it, has revolutionized the computer and communications world like nothing before. When the Internet went public back in the early 90s, no one new that it would rapidly change into a necessity of life for some. Today the Internet still offers that promise, but it also has proven in some respects to be a digital menace. With some certainty it can be said that al Qaeda loves the Internet. Al Qaeda uses information technology to gather intelligence, recruit, gain donations, publicize their terrorism, cyber planning, and command and control. The use of information technology directly relates to cybercrime and terrorism from al Qaeda because they use it to inflict pain issues with their enemies.

Adam Segal’s “The Hacked World Order” reveals many prevalent issues in today’s technologically centered society. Starting at Year Zero, June 2012 to June 2013, the battle over cyberspace witnessed world-changing cyberattacks. This was accomplished due to the fact that nearly 75% of the world’s population has easy access to a mobile phone, and the Internet connects nearly 40% of the total human population, which is nearly 2.7 billion people. With that being said, cyberattacks are becoming a more realistic form of terror.

With the widespread use of technology becoming more prominent, acts of cyber terrorism pose an increased threat to safety. Cyber terrorists exploit the internet and its users to commit acts that can be increasingly detrimental to their targets. Some of the terrorist activities include large scale corruption of computer networks by using tools like computer viruses. Certain individuals even have the ability of creating severe damage to government systems, national security systems and even hospital servers. Most of the technology made today only has intentions of making life easier for people. However, skilled users can manipulate the cyber world for negative intentions. Staying informed when it comes to cyber terrorism and cybercrime is important to do because of the increased reliance on technology in society. Steps to improve cyber security before an attack ensures the safety of sensitive information. The topic of cyber security and cyber warfare are interesting topics to keep up to date with. Understanding these topics can be beneficial to my dream of being in the FBI, ensuring the safety of others by working to prevent acts of cyberterrorism.

Prevalent to the current trend now is the dependency of the society on Information technology and communication systems. Every aspect of human life is one way or the other linked and controlled by information technology tools. The importance of information technology cannot be over emphasized as its unavailability could lead to a form of disaster or the other. Pivotal infrastructures like finance, healthcare, education and security are driven by information technology. However, information technology and its benefits are accompanied by vulnerabilities and risks that can be exploited by people with the necessary technical skills. Individuals like ‘Hackers’ and ‘Cyber Terrorist’ can cause disruption to information systems, commit financial fraud and also attack computers and networks. These attacks and disruptions could result to violence against people and properties. In some cases, death, serious injuries and severe economic loss could occur as a result of these attacks.

In this modern world, Information Technology forms the integral part of any kind of business. In the 21st century, countries across the globe have come to rely on complex computer networks that form the infrastructural backbone of even the most basic necessities of life, including electric power grids, global finance, food distribution, medical care, clean drinking water, petroleum production, and most types of communication. The protection of such networks, known as cyber security, is among the highest priorities in the civilized world, alongside planning and operations for major contingencies, including antiterrorism and land warfare. (Al-Saud, 2012:75).In Middle East region, the IT industry is dynamically growing along

In this crimes, the cyber-criminal use different technology in computers to have access to the personal data, use the exploitative or malicious web purposes.

-Within this writing assignment, I will discuss the four major categories of computer crimes. I will explain the most common forms of digital crime and why cyber terrorism is the greatest threat. I will also discuss the roles of the U.S. government, court systems, and law enforcement agencies in combating computer crime. First, we will define the four major categories of computer crimes.