An insight into the different aspects of cyber crime including a definition, a short history, a few famous and important cases and ideas to curtail it.
Abstract This paper discusses cyber crime, criminal activity which targets computers and information, or which uses computers as the means of committing an offense. It examines how it is a very serious and complicated matter that cannot be taken lightly and how without a true understanding, public and private corporations can easily be mislead in the perspective of its gravity. It shows how this thinking opens up weaknesses in public and private computer systems that the cyber criminal could easily take advantage of and exploit for their own gain. It defines cyber crime, breaking it down into a number of sections giving examples of certain crimes that are often committed under each section. Then it provides a brief history describing the development of new laws for the new crimes, specific cases in history concerning cyber crime and also a description of where cyber crime is today and its impact on the individual and companies who are its victims.
From the Paper "Just like the world of street crime the world of cyber crime needs policing tactics and policing units. Yet the goal of the agencies are not really to prevent, but more to investigate crimes that have already happened; the reason for this is because in cyber space there is no physical area where police can patrol to stop crime. So if policing agencies cannot prevent attacks, not including the use of undercover online operations, then who can? This question can be answered in a few ways. Private companies usually hire experts in the field of computers who can find the companies? weaknesses and where they could be attacked and tighten up their network with certain defenses like firewalls, virus scanners, and other various programs. The individual, on the other hand, has to spend money on programs which will detect intrusions and viruses that have infiltrated their personal system. Private industries that create these programs which protect systems would be similar to companies who produce self-defense equipment and classes, because that is what these programs do; they target-harden and help a victim fight back against their attacker."
Abstract This paper reviews the http://www.cybercrime.gov/ website, which serves as a repository for information on cyber crime. The paper looks at the increased recognition of cyber crime as a serious threat as well as laws that have been passed to combat cyber crime. The paper also provides an overall evaluation of the website that is very favorable.
From the Paper "Combatting the global cyber crime pandemic is becoming an increasingly urgent issue, as identity theft and spyware are occurring with alarming frequency. Early instances of cyber crime found individuals, corporations and law enforcement unprepared, uninformed and immobilized to address cyber crime responsively. This resulted in victims suffering long drawn-out battles to regain their identities. With no guidelines to assist them, many victims endured frustrating battles that yielded little benefit. Corporations likewise faced many obstacles in their uncharted course to recover from data theft and..."
Abstract The topic of cyber crimes encompasses many different crimes. This report defines cyber crime, and goes into depth regarding the specific crime of identity theft. It includes the definition of cyber crime, and specific techniques used to obtain an individual's personal information used to establish false identity, how to prevent the information from being compromised, as well as additional information should one become a victim of identity theft. This paper also includes real world examples stemming from personal experience.
Outline.
Abstract
What is Cyber Crime?
Identity Theft: what is it?
Types of identity theft
Keeping you safe from such crimes
What to do if you become a victim
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Browsing through the US Department of Justice's Website for the Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section, cyber crime is a handful of crimes where the primary method of operation or M.O. involves the use of computers or attacks on secure electronic data. The scope of these crimes includes unauthorized access to networks, computers databases, fraudulent money transfers or electronic wire transfers, piracy, espionage and gambling. The invention of the internet creates a new place for people to conduct business, and a very discrete and anonymous place for criminals. Everyday more and more people engage in commerce online, accessing bank accounts and making purchases entirely online. The internet creates a larger arena for crime, and creates more instances of opportunity for crime that requires little technical knowledge and provides a tempting cloak for a person to commit crimes. There are more and more crimes that have moved from the streets to an online environment, taking everyday crime and turning it into a cyber crime. Anything that is illegal, and is committed using computer technology in this virtual environment is cyber crime."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses various recent cyber-security breaches in the USA. The paper discusses each event, the method used to breach the cyber-security and the response. The paper focuses primarily on the case of Moonlight Maze, one of the most infamous cyber-attacks which occurred in the late 1990s.
From the Paper "The hackers were apparently working from a location in Russia, though this could not be definitively established due to the nature of the infiltration. All that is known for certain is that the hack into Department of Defense computers had been going on for more than a year and that it is entirely unclear how much information was made off with during that time. This is due in part to the fact that in addition to raiding information directly from the Pentagon, the hackers also used that point of entry to enter other sensitive systems throughout the US government. These included networks at nuclear research labs associated with the Energy Department, NASA, and numerous university research facilities (Drogin, 1999). Investigators reiterate that the attackers obtained no known classified information, but the general uncertainty surrounding Moonlight Maze makes this claim dubious at best."
Tags: infiltrations, sensitive, cyber-attack, computer, system, security, breach, hacker, russia
Abstract This paper provides a definition of cyber crime and explores different forms thereof. It asks questions such as - Who commits cyber crime and what is being done to prevent it. It examines the most common crimes committed via the Internet such as software piracy and credit card fraud but also analyzes the scarier crimes such as child pornography and security hacking.
From the Paper "Cyber crime is probably the most talked about form of crime in North America. Parents worry about pedophiles using the Internet to access their children. Businesses spend enormous amounts of money to protect their computer systems from hacker attacks. Many individuals will not use the Internet to shop because they are worried about how secure their credit card information is on the Internet. Is all of this worry, sometimes verging on hysteria justified? Or is it simply a case of fear of a new technology."
Abstract This paper discusses the problems that federal, state and local authorities face when prosecuting cyber identity theft, noting that it is not a simple procedure. The paper explains that individuals that steal the identity of others online often use multiple servers and locations to make it almost impossible to trace the person who is responsible for the identity theft. The paper also explains that when identity theft occurs in a country where traditional Internet crime is not considered a prosecutable offense the country where the nation occurred has a difficult time in locating the criminal and extraditing the identity thief for the purposes of prosecution. Finally, the paper notes that many United States prosecutors are hesitant to prosecute these crimes because they generally involve low profile cases that take extensive amounts of time to investigate and prosecute.
Abstract Cyber crime is one of the most prevalent and most popular rising crimes being committed today. Law enforcement agencies are struggling to keep up with technology and constantly bump into roadblocks to help them stop this growing crime. This paper attempts to analyze current policy and implement policy recommendations that will aid law enforcement officials to police cyber crime. The paper maintains that, while September 11 shifted America's focus from cyber crime to cyber-terrorism, the facts show that cyber crime is far more dangerous to the American public and the economy.
Outline:
Abstract
What is Cybercrime?
Types of Cybercrime: Identity Theft
Types of Cybercrime: Child Pornography and Sexual Solicitation Types of Cybercrime: Organized Crime
Challenges for Law Enforcement Management
Challenges and Current Policy
Statistics
National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace
Improving the way Law Enforcement Identifies and Investigates Cyber Crime
How to Prevent Cybercrime
Conclusion
From the Paper "One aspect of cybercrime is the ability for sex offenders to prey upon unsuspecting individuals over the internet. American's must remember people are not always who they appear to be. One of the critical topics discussed at the White House Conference was the growing threat of cyber-predators. Nearly 30 million children and youth go online annually and 75% of children between the ages of 14 and 17 use the internet. Research by the University of New Hampshire found that one in five children between the ages of 10 and 17 received a sexual solicitation over the Internet in the last year. One in 33 received an aggressive solicitation - a solicitor who asked to meet them somewhere; called them on the telephone; or sent them regular mail, money, or gifts. The Internet is a tremendous educational resource for parents, teachers, and children. Parental, private sector, and government efforts are continuing to improve online child safety and will help make the Internet a safer and ever more valuable tool for children. "
Abstract This paper examines how computers can be used as tools by terrorists and how terrorists can target computers and computer networks in acts of terrorism. The paper contends that the information technology revolution has made both public and private sector computer systems and networks more vulnerable to attacks. It also asserts that the increased dependence on computer systems also makes cyber-terrorism a more menacing threat.
Outline:
Introduction
Cyber-Terrorism
The Threat posed by Cyber-Terrorism
Devastating Potential Consequences of Cyber-Terrorism in the Wake of the Information Technology Revolution
Securing the Nation Against Cyber-Terrorism
Conclusion
From the Paper "According to Theofrastous (2003) the conventional threats associated with attacks to America's IT infrastructure are well-known. However, there are now more sophisticated threats that involve the attacking of the IT infrastructure using unconventional means (Theofrastous 2003). The author points out that from an e-commerce standpoint, the new IT structure involves both business to consumer and business to business contexts (Theofrastous 2003). These contexts have encouraged the establishment of standardization in several important areas including the authentication of electronic transaction and antifraud measures (Theofrastous 2003). "
Abstract The writer of this well-researched paper focuses on the consistent rise in both computer and internet related crimes in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, as well as the strategies that have been implemented to fight these illegal acts. This paper supplies relevant statistics and data regarding this particular topic. The writer contends and details why the term cyber-crime falls into three basic categories: Software piracy, electronic break-ins and computer sabotage. This paper cites several cases of cyber-terrorism, in which computer hackers shut down various public and/or government computer websites, including those of the CIA, FBI and the U.S. Air Force. This paper also delves into the various measures taken to prevent cyber-crimes including: The European Union, which established the Committee of Experts on Crime in Cyberspace, which drafted a binding convention to facilitate international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of individuals suspected of computer crimes. The U.S. has also developed legislation that deals with specific forms of cyber-crimes, as well as providing copyright protection for various computer programs, which are now recognized by the courts.
From the Paper "Not all attacks are external. Sabotage by employees can also occur. The above Trade and Industry survey also found that almost a third of UK firms had dealt with up to five disciplinary cases of Internet abuse in 2002. Carelessness by employees is almost as threatening as intentional crime. Users make passwords too simple, reveal them when asked, or write them on a post-it near their PC. Carelessness can be countered by the implementation and enforcement of systems use policies and training.
Lastly, because of the fear of terrorism since 9/11, numerous cities throughout the United States have put together disaster plans as well as had practice drills in case the worst occurs. It may be just as important to prepare for the worst for cybercrimes."
Abstract The paper investigates the prevalence of cyber crime and the successes and failures of law enforcement agencies in preventing this type of crime. The paper examines essential investigative elements, the cost of computer security, hacking techniques and current legislation. The paper also looks at the future of cyber crime.
Outline:
Introduction
Prevalence of Cyber Crime
Successes and Failures of Law Enforcement Agencies
Essential Investigative Elements
Cost of Computer Security
Hacking Techniques
Current legislation
Future of Cyber crime
Conclusion
From the Paper "The prevalence of Cyber crime throughout the world has frustrated law enforcement agents and legislators alike. According to an article published in the American Criminal Law Review, at least half of all businesses in the United States alone have been the victims of cyber crime or some sort of security breach. Cyber Crime is such a detrimental type of offense not only because of the type of damage that it can do to individuals and businesses but also because of the costs involved in cyber crime. These costs are most often associated with the repair of a computer system or network. There are also costs associated with the compromise of data that often occurs. This is particularly costly because of the damage that it can do to the reputation of a business and organizations. Customers can become more apprehensive about shopping at a franchise that has experienced computer security problems or going to a bank that has been the victim of cyber crime. For this very reason, the article points out that some businesses and organizations that have been affected by Cyber Crime do not report breaches in security."
Abstract This paper begins by defining what cyber terrorism is and a brief history since its appearance on the net. It then examines several examples of cyber terrorism and the unique harm done by each of these forms. Examples given are virus spreading, murder, propaganda and data dibbling. The writer finally examines the major players in the game of cyber terrorism and terrorist groups that are active in this crime.
From the Paper "The FBI defines terrorism as the illegitimate use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. Cyber-terrorism can be the use of computing assets to threaten or force others. An example of cyber-terrorism could be hacking into a hospital computer system and changing someone's medicine prescription to a lethal dosage as an act of vengeance. It sounds far fetched, but these things can and do occur. Cyber terrorism has also been defined as ?the use of computing resources against persons or property to intimidate or compel a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.?1."
Abstract This paper examines how cyber terrorism and hacking have become perpetual threats to national security and economy and how they exist in so many different forms that it is difficult to place them under one specific category. The one thing common in all such crimes is use of computer, which acts as a shield between the criminal and victim, thus protecting the former from immediate detection for possible arrest or prosecution. It looks at how the government, along with intelligence agencies and FBI, is trying to control and protect data available on the most critical networks, including those of the military, and how, although cyber terrorism presents a clear and present danger, with effective measures we can control the possibility of cyber attack, and even if one occurs, our security measures should be designed to help us recover the loss easily and without long-term negative consequences.
From the Paper "Even before the September 11 attacks, intelligence agencies had alerted the nation of the imminent danger from a new breed of terrorist known as cyber-terrorists. President Bush warned the nation that, ?American forces ale overused and under funded precisely when they are confronted by a host of new threats and challenges--the spread of weapons of mass destruction, the rise of cyber terrorism, the proliferation of missile technology." Cyber terrorism in simpler words is terrorism carried out with technologically advanced means where networks play an important role as terrorist illegal gain access to confidential information. This breed of terrorists is certainly more menacing than the ones we had hitherto been trying to root out. Cyber terrorism is dangerous because catching the criminal is a daunting task and because access to sensitive data can wreak havoc as once a person enters a database, it takes a while to detect intrusion and takes even longer to block access."
Abstract This paper discusses cyber schools, such as the Florida Virtual School, launched in 1997 to relieve overcrowded districts, which has caught on statewide with 5,000 students in 67 countries now participating. The author points out that charter schools - particularly "cyber schools -- drain resources away from already strapped public schools struggling to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body while trying to comply with the unfunded mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The paper concludes that cyber schools are going to play an increasingly important part in how educational services are delivered to both young and adult learners in the future; the only questions that remain are how well these services can and will be delivered and what part educators and students will be required to take.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Given the Predominant Models of Curriculum Change, Can Schools Be both Learning Organizations and "Social Anchors"?
Potential Alternatives
Obstacles and Constraints to Success
Are New Curriculum Models Really Needed? Potentially Successful Curriculum Models for the Future
Conclusion
From the Paper "America's public schools are currently not providing the range of educational services that young learners are going to need to succeed in the 21st century. Likewise, many institutions of higher learning are seeking but failing to find new curriculum models that address the needs of their adult learners in the 21st century. According to Arnold (2004), "In recent years, many colleges and universities have set out to reform or revisit their general education curricula. These efforts often have failed to achieve the comprehensive change that reformers originally had envisioned." Given these past failures and gaps in the delivery of educational services, it is not surprising that the alternatives described above are being examined more closely as a potentially viable alternative."
Abstract This paper discusses and analyzes some of the many organizations and agencies that play a role in the fight against cyber crimes. The paper briefly discusses some of the various types of cyber crimes that exist. It then describes specific organizations and agencies and analyzes how they contribute to the fight against cyber crimes, specifically within the United States.
From the Paper "Other organizations that deal with cyber crime include the National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre or NCECC (http://ncecc.ca/). This is a national clearing house as well as a coordination centre for investigations related to child sexual exploitation on the Internet. It aims to build relationships with international organizations to raise awareness of cyber crimes against children. It also lends support to law enforcement agencies."
"The Computer Crime Research Center (CCRC) (http://www.crime-research.org/) is an independent institute which focuses on research into various forms of cyber crime as well as cyber terrorism and internet fraud. A central concern of this organization is research on methods of fighting child pornography and pedophilia in the Internet. Research is carried out in conjunction with Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC) at the American University, Washington, DC, USA."
Abstract This paper explains that cyber bullies are Internet users who prey on their victims through threats and intimidation. Just like bullying on the playground, individuals victimized by bullies can feel the negative effects for a lifetime and, in extreme cases, can lead to death. The author presents a case study of cyber bullying between two female students. The paper concludes that it is the responsibility of educators and administrators to take a pro-active approach to mitigate incidents of cyber bullying in the early stages. The author also presents some solutions to this problem, which can be used by teachers.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Case Study of Anna and Dana
Results
Solutions
Summary
From the Paper "The MySpace incident was the first of at least six additional incidents involving the use of this website. Anna began hearing from others in the school about what they had read. Anna was outraged and went to her parents. Her parents were upset also and took the matter to the school administrators. The school agreed to convene a meeting with both sets of parents and a counselor from the school.
"In the end, the friendship between Anna and Dana was definitely over. Dana stopped posting fabrications about Anna on her MySpace webpage."
Tags: confrontations myspace, spreading rumors, fire walling, symptoms