Abstract This paper discusses the issues involved in cybercrime and provides suggestions how to investigate and prosecute offenders. The paper describes the efforts made by the Council of Europe to combat cybercrime. The paper states that a nation must create its own laws regarding various types of cybercrime, including illegal access, illegal interception of electronic communications, data interference, system interference, misuse of devices, computer-related forgery and fraud, child pornography, copyright, aiding or abetting, and corporate liability.
Outline
History of European Efforts
Parallel Initiatives
Limits to the Convention's Requirements
Essential Investigative Elements
Equating ISPs with Telecommunications Companies
U.S. Freedom of Speech Laws
Cybercrime Determinations
Serious Harm
Dual Criminality
When is a Crime a Crime?
Another Agency Is Needed
Conclusion
From the Paper "While the European Union is the body most in the news, it is by no means the oldest such body involved in dealing with criminal activities in Europe. The Council of Europe (CoE) is older, having been established in 1949 to uphold and strengthen human rights and to promote democracy and the rule of law in Europe. Since then, its 44 member states, often with the cooperation of the United States, have been branching out beyond that mandate (FAQs, U.S. Department of Justice Web site 2003). The organization, far more than the United Nations or the European Union, has begun to tackle the issues involved in cybercrime, as well as how to investigate and prosecute offenders. Specific extradition and prisoner transfer protocols are, at this point, matters to be worked out between the states involved, and are not specified in the Convention on Cybercrime itself in any specific manner."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that in the past few years, the increase in cybercrime, or crime conducted through the Internet, has emerged as a significant concern for government agencies, buyers and sellers conducting business online, and parents. The writer explains that the United States Department of Justice has defined cybercrime as computer intrusion, including such issues as password trafficking, counterfeiting currency, child pornography or exploitation, Internet fraud and spam, Internet harassment, Internet bomb threats, and trafficking in explosive or incendiary devices or firearms over the Internet. The writer concludes that the research in the area of cybercrime indicates that it is a growing epidemic that is very easy to commit, due to the widespread reach of the Internet and the ability to be anonymous.
From the Paper "As a result, many crimes are committed against the valid owner of the credit card. In addition, online vendors assume no liability for credit card fraud. If an online purchase is made with a stolen credit card, the vendor is not liable. As long as the transaction went through and a signature was received from the customer, the vendor will receive his payment from the credit card company. As soon as the valid owner of the credit card receives a bill and becomes aware of the fraud, his complaint to the credit card company will not affect himself nor the online vendor. It is ultimately the card issuer that absorbs the financial loss."
A discussion on the consequences of cybercrime on children and the ways in which we can make children safe from sexual predators without harming them in the process.
Abstract This paper proposes a research project on a field of cybercrime that is of particular concern to parents and all of those who are concerned about the safety of children: The exposure of children to pornography through the Internet and the far more serious problem of children's becoming involved in the production of pornography through contacts that they make when surfing the web.
From the Paper "The statistics concerning the incidents of cybercrime are alarming indeed in no small measure because of the myriad ways in which home computers have become integrated into every aspect of our lives. Computers seem to be always on and always available to children and because of this many adults do not remember how vigilant they in fact should be. The following are some important statistics to be aware of:
?1 in 3 households have been intruded upon through the internet. (National White Collar Crime Center)
?Online child pornography/child sex exploitation is the most significant crime problem confronting the FBI that involves crimes against children. (FBI Innocent Images National Initiative)
?There was a 1,264% increase in the number of cases opened over the last four years. (FBI Innocent Images National Initiative). "
Abstract This paper proposes a research project on a field of cybercrime that is of particular concern to parents and all of those who are concerned about the safety of children: The exposure of children to pornography through the Internet and the far more serious problem of children's becoming involved in the production of pornography through contacts that they make when surfing the web.
From the Paper "One of the newest areas of crime is what we might call cybercrime: The use of the reach of computers joined with telecommunications technologies to perform criminal acts from a "virtual" distance. The at least seeming anonymity of computer technologies may actually encourage some people who would not otherwise be tempted to commit crimes to do so using the Internet. They may simply believe that they will never be caught. Or they may not think about being caught at all: They may simply find the lure of committing virtual crimes too psychologically appealing to resist. Many of those who commit crimes on the Internet are in fact psychologically disturbed and need compassionate treatment by psychiatric professionals. However, this does not lessen the real harm that they can do to people and they must be stopped."
Abstract This paper discusses the subject of wireless Internet access and technology and security across wireless networks in relation to both e-commerce and private uses across Internet traffic. The paper looks at cybercrime and how wireless Internet access enhances some of these cybercrime activities. The paper also explains how organizations and business should incorporate security and data encryption across their networks.
Outline:
Abstract
Overview
Commercial & Business Impact
Security Concerns
The Internet
Protection Technologies
Conclusion
From the Paper "Wireless technology essentially refers to how one accesses the internet via any wireless methodology and is commonly known as WiFi or wireless fidelity. Security and privacy are important concerns in relation to the internet in any circumstance but these concerns are heightened when wireless technology is concerned because anyone with the appropriate technology can access networks across the internet via wireless access points even with appropriate security enhancements. The internet and all of the convenience, entertainment, and community it fosters often overshadows a darker underbelly that tends to get lost in all the popular press on the great things that are being done across this vast, global network which are concerns heightened with wireless access."
Abstract This paper will examine both types of cyber crime from a Canadian perspective. It will be shown how this division between government and industry mirrors the generally confused approach of Canada - and other nations as well - to the issue of cyber crime. Clearly the two key players in the fight against cyber crime are divided not only in their approaches to fighting cyber crime, but even in their perceptions of the primary types of cyber crime. Until there can be a general agreement between business and government in this area, it is unlikely that cyber crime will be greatly restricted.
An examination of both sides of the Internet privacy issue, focusing on the effect of specific court rulings and recent laws regarding privacy rights on the Internet.
Abstract This paper discusses how Internet and information technology have given rise to new techniques of investigation and new forms of surveillance and how law enforcement officials view these as powerful tools in the fight against terrorism and cybercrime. It looks at how government and corporate interests have successfully increased surveillance powers over the Internet and cyberspace and the implications of these new powers for privacy rights.
Outline
Security and Corporate Interests
Big Brother
Common Ground
From the Paper "For privacy advocates, these laws expanding law enforcement authority and court rulings regarding piracy and copyright have dealt tremendous blows to individual civil liberties regarding online and Internet activities. The EFF argues, for example that the Patriot Act "expands surveillance while reducing checks and balances." As a result, the government may spy on innocuous activities such as web surfing, even on Americans who are not specific targets of investigation. In addition, the Patriot Act's provisions regarding reciprocity allow foreign intelligence agencies to spy on American people's activities online (EFF 2001)."
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 An exploration of child pornography and the Internet. This paper is written from a point of view that supports the April 2002 ruling of the United States Supreme Court. Definitional issues, police entrapment, civil rights and consensual acts of people depicting minors are discussed. Although this paper does not contain any extremely vulgar or obscene material it has the potential of being offensive because of the touchy subject matter.
From the Paper "Other ideas with the rejection of the child pornography definition is the concept of consensual acts and the idea of digital imaging enhancement to make picture appear as if they are depicting minors. Digitally enhanced child pornography will be addressed later in this paper, but I would like to address my opinions on consensual acts. When most people imagine child pornography they envision a child being raped. I agree with the child pornography stereotype; when I began this research I also envisioned child pornography as a world filled with brutal heinous rapes" Not all cases of child pornography portrayed on the Internet involve child rape scenes. The pornography at hand "might have been a picture of a seventeen year old in an unrevealing gym suit" but due to social reactions to the word child pornography is visualized as "an infant being sodomized by a brawny adult" (Chatelle 1996). Child pornography can encompass such things as teens engaging in consensual sexual acts, statutory rape as well as children wearing beach or gym clothes. In a case such as that no one is harmed in the production of the material except the norm views and expectations placed on society? In 1996 Congress "passed the Child Pornography Prevention Act" which is aimed at the goal of preventing "the production and distribution of computer generated sexual images of children" (Hatcher et al 1999: 418). Originally this legislation was passed to ensure that even "the production, distribution, and reception of images" that were altered to resemble images of minors engaging is sexual encounters were criminalized (Hatcher et al 1999: 418). However on April 16th 2002, the Supreme Court "struck down provisions of a federal law that made it a crime to create or distribute virtual child pornography that used computer images or young adults rather than actual children" (Greenhouse 2002)?.because of media depiction and definitions of child pornography the virtual dilemma will continue as a moral crusade."
This research examines various threats facing society from inadequate computer security, and ways in which companies can protect themselves from computer crime.
Abstract This paper addresses the issue of cybercrime and its effects on society. It begins by defining computer crime as illegal activity which uses computers as a means to an end. It then looks at motives for computer security violation and how software is at great risk from this form of crime, through worms and virus spread by malice. The paper then looks at various options available to guard against software threats, such as firewalls and other security techniques. The writer also addresses ethical considerations which need to be taken into account as well as issues of privacy. The paper concludes with a discussion about the future of this problem.
From the Paper "From personal computers in the home used to track checking accounts and keep household inventories in databases to large supercomputers that control space missions and run the world's largest companies, computers have become commonplace. The number of individuals who have access to the information on those computers has increased as the communications industry has undergone a revolution in recent years, and uncontrolled access to information presents a very real threat in most business and some government information. Because of the highly significant role that computers play in modern life, there is a need to keep information on machines secure from tampering, from unauthorized dissemination, and from unauthorized removal. "
Examines the profile of computer hackers, the need for computer security, methods used by hackers and prevention and law enforcement options to this problem.
Abstract This paper explains that as the technological revolution has transformed the world in recent decades, computers and computer networks have become ubiquitous throughout society. Not surprisingly, computer hackers have become almost as ubiquitous. It discusses how hackers range from the mischievous at one end to the truly dastardly at the other. Regardless of their motives, they pose a huge threat to the technological infrastructure that underpins the modern world. This paper examines computer hackers, from their goals and personalities to the preventive measures adopted by business and governments to thwart them.
From the Paper "Hackers generally fall into three groups. The first group hacks into computer networks just to prove they can do it. The mischievous ones often leave proof of their entry and then exit the network. The majority of hackers fall into this first group, and they are largely harmless. Indeed, they completely reject the actions of the second and third groups (Platt, 1996, p. 52). What would drive someone to tap into private computer networks just for fun? "Because it is there" would be the response of many hackers. For some, it is all a game, and at times they even help computer security experts. "Many expert hackers trespass on systems strictly for the challenge and will patch holes on the way out or notify system administrators about how they broke in" (Koerner, 1999, p. 49)."
Defining and discussing fraudulent activities in corporations - such as embezzlement, abuse of corporate information and cybercrimes - and examining how these can be prevented.
Abstract This study develops a further understanding of the factors that operate to influence and/or prohibit fraudulent activities in corporations. The study represents an effort to further develop the current knowledge base that currently exists on strategies that are being used in efforts to prevent future occurrences of corporate fraud. The study provides an examination of reporting procedures that have been established in preventive efforts and the degree to which employees of corporations perceive such procedures as accessible.
From the Paper "Current information suggests that occupational fraud losses for large corporations are estimated to now exceed $600 billion annually, an average of nearly $4500 per employee. Small businesses tend to be hurt worst by occupational fraud, at an average $127,500 per loss compared to the $97,000 average loss for larger companies. With the collapse of Enron and WorldCom and reports of other major corporations caught in similar acts, corporate fraud has increasingly been recognized as threatening trust in the economy, the integrity of the auditing profession and the state of business ethics within corporate America."
Abstract This paper provides an overview of computer forensics methodologies and some of their applications today. It reviews of some of the commonly used computer forensic tools, terms, and utilities. Discusses some of the advanced tools and techniques being used and anticipated, as well as the forecast for computer forensics in the future. It also examines the relative merits of these investigative techniques from a civil liberties perspective, followed by an historical analysis of controlling legislation.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Importance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Definition of Terms
Overview of the Study
Chapter 2: Review of the Related Literature
Background and Overview
Other Controlling Legislation and Trends
Tools and Utilities Currently Used by Computer Forensic Examiners
Commonly Used Computer Forensic Tools and Techniques
Impact of the Web on Computer Forensics
Development of New Technology File System (NTFS)
Chapter 3: Methodology
Description of the Approach
Data Gathering Method
Database of Study
Comment on Validity of Data
Comment of Originality and Limitations of Data
Summary of Chapter 3
Chapter 4: Data Analysis
Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendations
From the Paper "Balancing the need for law enforcement to aggressively prosecute cybercrimes is the question of civil liberties in the United States. The amount of civil liberties afforded to American citizens has tended to ebb and flow over the years in response to serious threats to the nation's survival. Historically, the greater the threat, the more civil liberties have been adversely affected. The suspension of habeas corpus by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War and the internment of over 100,000 Japanese-American citizens after Pearl Harbor are some examples of this phenomenon. However, as the threat to the nation's survival dissipates or completely disappears, the push for a return to a more balanced approach to the Bill of Rights has tended to restore these fundamental civil liberties."
Abstract The risk assessment process is becoming increasingly important, but it has assumed enormously complex dimensions at the same time. Risk assessment has reached a new level of importance in the Information Age. The growth of sophisticated networked information systems and distributed computing has created a potentially dangerous environment for private and public organizations. This paper examines these issues and provides an analysis of popular risk assessment applications. An original comparison table is provided.
Chapter One: Introduction
Statement of Hypothesis, Research Problem, or Statement of the Purpose
Outline of Thesis/Project
Chapter Two: Methodology/Layout or Reason
Chapter Three: Literature Review
Industrial Settings and Software
Business Credit Settings and Software
Primary Software
Secondary Software
Risk Assessment Software for Credit Applications
Accounts Receivable Processing (ARP) Company
Advisa, Inc.
C/LECT Consulting, Inc.
Competix
Credit & Management Systems, Inc.
Dun & Bradstreet
eCredible, Ltd.
eCredit.com
Experian
GETPAID Corporation
I-many, Inc. (formerly ChiCor, Inc.)
Magnum Communications, Ltd.
9ci, Inc.
NMC Technologies, Inc.
Risk Assessment in Financial Institutions
Selected Banking Risk Management Software
Chapter Four: Pros and Cons
Chapter Five: Findings
Establish the Context
Identify Situations that Have Risk Implications
Analyze and Assess Risk
Design Response Strategies
Implement and Integrate
Measure, Monitor and Report
Chapter Six: Conclusion and Recommendations
Works Cited
From the Paper "Risk assessment has reached a new level of importance in the Information Age. The growth of sophisticated networked information systems and distributed computing has created a potentially dangerous environment for private and public organizations. "Critical data -- such as from trade secrets, proprietary information, troop movements, sensitive medical records and financial transactions -- flows through these systems" (Hammond 1999:69). Consequently, organizations are becoming increasingly concerned with potential exposure and are looking for ways to evaluate their organization's security profile today. Risk assessment software applications systems allow researchers, managers and others to perform "what if" analyses of the value of their information and various threats and vulnerabilities. For instance, risk assessment software systems such as NetSolar by Cisco, use both passive analysis and active probing methods to identify security vulnerabilities, which may increase the efficiency of vulnerability identification and reduce false-positive results. Hamilton reports that these technical assessments can differentiate between infrastructure devices (routers, switches, or firewalls) and host devices (user workstations or servers such as e-mail servers and Web servers). "Technical vulnerability tools can find vulnerabilities in network TCP/IP hosts, UNIX hosts, Windows NT hosts, Web servers, mail servers, FTP servers, firewalls, routers and switches" (Hamilton 1999:69)."
Abstract This paper discusses how criminals today are using modern technology to prey on innocent victims and how computers and the Internet have made the predator's job easier. It looks at how, in the past, child predators found their victims in public places where children tend to gather, such as schoolyards, playgrounds, and shopping malls, and how, today, they have a new place in cyberspace to target children for criminal acts. It looks at how the Internet must be monitored and investigated to prevent crimes against children. It discusses the topic of Internet child-luring and sexual crimes in an effort to determine how the Internet can be used as an investigative tool to prevent these types of crimes.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
About Internet Child Luring
How the Internet Enables Pedophilia and Internet Child Luring
Protecting Children from Internet Crime
Agencies that Combat Internet Child Luring and Sexual Crimes
Using the Internet as an Investigative Tool to Stop Cybercrime Against Children
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Innovative Internet technology gives pedophiles the opportunity to exchange information about children in an organized environment (Faulkner, 1997). By using the Internet, they can meet in chat rooms and educate one another on how to commit this crime. Over the Internet, pedophiles exchange plans and ideas about how to meet, attract, and exploit children, -- and how to lure the parents of these children into a false sense of security about their presence within the family structure. Many Internet sites host online "How To" seminar in pedophilia activities, whether the site managers know it or not."
