Computer Crime

Computer Crime

Computer Crime

Definition and Types of Computer Crime

  • Computer crime, also known as cybercrime, refers to any offence carried out using a computer or the Internet as a tool or target.
  • This can be divided into different types:
    • Hacking is unauthorised access to or control over computer networks for illegal purposes.
    • Denial of Service (DoS) attacks refer to intentionally causing a system to be unavailable or significantly slowed down by overwhelming it with traffic.
    • Data breaches occur when an unauthorised person gains access to confidential data, often for malicious reasons.
    • Viruses and malware are malicious software created to harm computers or steal data from them.
    • Identity theft involves posing as another individual in a digital setting using their personal information, often obtained unlawfully.
    • Phishing involves attempting to trick people into providing sensitive information (like usernames and passwords), often by impersonating reputable organisations via emails or websites.

Implications and Consequences of Computer Crime

  • Computer crime has numerous repercussions not only for individuals but also for society as a whole.
  • It can lead to financial loss for individuals and businesses through theft or damage to data or systems.
  • Cybercrime can cause damage to a person’s reputation if their identity is stolen or misused.
  • Loss or theft of sensitive information can lead to a breach of privacy.
  • Businesses may face legal action if they fail to sufficiently protect customer data.
  • Society as a whole can be negatively impacted if vital services are damaged by DoS attacks or similar types of cybercrime.

Ways of Preventing Computer Crime

  • Computer crime can be prevented through a series of measures:
    • Firewalls provide a line of defence to prevent unauthorised access to a network.
    • Anti-virus software can detect and remove harmful malware from a system.
    • User education is crucial: people should be taught to avoid opening suspicious emails, to only download software from trusted sources, and to regularly change their passwords.
    • Organisations should implement regular system updates to fix any security weaknesses that may exist in their software.
    • Two-factor authentication (2FA) techniques provide an extra layer of security beyond just a password.

Pertinent Legislation

  • In the UK, several laws have been established to deal with computer crime:
    • The Computer Misuse Act (1990) outlaws unauthorised access to computer systems and the dissemination of malicious software.
    • The Data Protection Act (2018) provides regulations on how businesses must handle personal data.
    • The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) regulates data protection and privacy in the European Union, and also applies to the UK.