4. Cyber Crime is a crime is committed online .An example is when
someone steal your credit card number online and then uses it without
your permission.
Computer crime is one of the fastest-growing types of illegal
activity, both in the U.S. and internationally. While the Internet links
people together like never before, it also provides endless opportunity to
criminals seeking to exploit the vulnerabilities of others.
Cyber crime statistics are staggering. Nearly 73% of Americans have
encountered some form of computer crime or attempted crime on the
Web. These types of crime are notoriously hard to solve and sometimes
occur without the victim ever knowing anything illegal has taken place.
Despite the risks, there are things you can do to help protect yourself
from becoming one of the many cyber crime statistics.
5. Cybercrime is a term for any illegal activity that uses a computer as
its primary means of commission. The U.S. Department of Justice
expands the definition of cybercrime to include any illegal activity
that uses a computer for the storage of evidence.
The growing list of cybercrimes includes crimes that have been
made possible by computers, such as network intrusions and the
dissemination of computer viruses, as well as computer-based
variations of existing crimes, such as identity theft, stalking, bullying
and terrorism.
Cyber crime encompasses any criminal act dealing with computers
and networks (called hacking). Additionally, cyber crime also
includes traditional crimes conducted through the Internet. For
example; hate crimes, telemarketing and Internet fraud, identity
theft, and credit card account thefts are considered to be cyber
crimes when the illegal activities are committed through the use of a
computer and the Internet.
6. There are several different types of computer crime, many of which
overlap. Below are a few of the most commonly reported.
Phishing – Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent emails in an
attempt to trick the recipient, usually for the purpose of obtaining
money. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to these types of cyber
crime.
Hacking – Hacking is similar to digital trespassing. Hackers infiltrate
online networks to illegally download confidential information,
manipulate functions and in some cases steal identities that can be
used to fraudulently purchase goods online.
Stalking and/or Harassment – Not all types of cyber crime involve
money. Some cyber criminals use the Internet as a cover for other
illegal behaviors like stalking, harassment and in lesser cases, bullying.
7. Though cyber crime statistics are on the
rise, even the most serious Internet criminals
rarely make the FBI Fugitives List. These types of
perpetrators are extremely difficult to track
down. In fact, the FBI says at least 25% of all
cyber crimes aren’t able to be prosecuted.
However, it’s not that difficult to stop many
cyber criminals if you know what to look for. The
Internet isn’t totally anonymous, and anonymity
is what most criminals count on to keep their
illegal activities under wraps.
8. For many Crime Stoppers home is the first line of defense,
particularly when children are involved. Be sure your Internet
connection is password-protected and your server is encrypted. If
kids are using the Web, know what sites they’re visiting and exactly
who they’re talking to.
Children are particularly vulnerable for cyber crime because
they’re naturally less skeptical than adults. Be sure you teach your
kids the dangers of the Web and give them concrete rules to follow
when using the computer.
Parents ,Teachers ,Non-profits government ,and industry have been
working hard to protect kid online . However , we also need to
think about protecting the internet from kids who might abuse it.
9. It’s crucial to go a step beyond finding out “what is cyber crime?” and learn
more about the specific risks surrounding your online activities.
if you like to purchase clothing online, for example, check to be sure all the
sites you purchase from have a nationally affiliated security certification. if
you like to visit chat rooms, never give out any personal information to
anyone you don’t know . Also, check crime reports in your area to be sure
there isn’t a cyber criminal out there preying on people like you.
Know the online warning signs
The Web can be a perfectly safe place to learn, connect and shop, but you
have to know what to avoid. If you see any of the following while online,
assume a cyber criminal is at work:
• Suspicious “official” websites that look amateurish or poorly maintained
• Emails asking for personal information or passwords
• Sites requesting credit card information for entry
• Unsolicited communication from someone you don’t know
• Threatening or troubling language
10. Computer crime isn’t victimless. Millions of people lose money to
ruthless cyber criminals every year, and some are actually physically
harmed by people they meet online. When you’re using the
Web, remember to stay alert, stay aware and protect your
information.
The department of justice categorize computer
crime in three ways.
• The computer has a target – Attacking the computer of other (spreading
virus is an example.)
• The computer as a weapon-Using a computer to commit “traditional crime”
that we see in the physical world.(such as fraud or illegal gambling)
• The computer as a necessary – Using a computer as a "fancy filling" cabinet
to store illegal or stolen information.