Personal Security and the Internet

Paper Summary:

This paper offers an extensive study into the phenomenon of Internet crimes such as identity and credit card theft, stalking and harassment. The paper examines the new inventions being made and the new laws being passed. However, criminals think of scams just as fast or faster than what inventions for personal protection can be enforced. It shows how in the twenty first century, at least one Internet active computer in each household is almost a necessity, which makes everyone a possible victim. The Internet has allowed criminals into our homes and bank accounts. This paper examines legislation and preventative measures being explored daily.

Table of Contents

Defining Problems.
Identity Theft
Web Sites that make Identity Theft Easier
Identity Theft from Public Records
Hackers
Other ways to Access Personal Information
Not only Financial Theft
Solving the Problem
What Authorities are doing about Cyber Crime
How thorough are Investigations?
Limitations of the Authorities
Can Authorities be Trusted?
Undocumented Sources
Why Authorities Cannot Keep Up with Internet Crimes
Law Enforcement Officials Providing Inside Information to Stalkers
Legal Drivers' License in Different Names
Employment Applications Reveal Information
Impersonating Officers
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Is there anything that one can do to protect his or her self from becoming the next victim of cyber crime? Not completely. Usually criminals have superb, and creative imaginations. Internet criminals think of new ways to steal identities and commit other cyber crimes, faster than the law officials abiding by the rules can figure out how to enforce the law, or make new laws to prevent crimes. Identity theft is one of the most popular and growing crimes on the Internet today. According to the article, Could Someone Steal Your Identity, "Identity theft is not a new crime, but the use of the Internet has made it easier than ever for criminals to obtain personal information, and harder for authorities to track them down" (Barrett, 2002). With new technology such as the Internet, communication is faster and easier than ever before. Mail is delivered within seconds instead of days. Business arrangements and contracts are closed within minutes. Shopping, getting directions, making plans for the evening and even dating and meeting people are easier because of the Internet. Nearly everybody has a computer in their home, most involving DSL connections or higher. Unfortunately, not everyone who uses Internet services have only good intentions. Many people use the technology for financial theft, use another person's identity to apply for employment and open credit card accounts, and stalking individuals which can lead into crimes which violates the victims personal safety."

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• Research Paper # 9475 : "The Internet"

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