Cyber Crime

. In a rapidly advancing world, where the needs of communication and access to information are more than necessary elements, the Internet has become the solution, available to every person. II. The internet is the technological genius of the computer age. Although the internet is a phenomenal tool, providing access to the world, it has also become a Shangri-La for criminals. The internet, because of the ability to remain anonymous, is the perfect playground for this type of mayhem. III. The increasing number of virtual criminals that lurk behind the virtual walls awaiting their victims to log on to the net and fall prey to their malicious tactics and easy baits increases daily. When an internet crime takes place, a computer may be used in the commission of the crime, or be the target of the crime. IV. Today, I would like to expand your knowledge on the types of crimes being committed via the internet, as well as explain how to protect yourself and your computer against these crimes and why we are morally obligated to report these crimes.

Cybercrimes are defined as: "Offences that are committed against individuals or groups of individuals with a criminal motive to intentionally harm the reputation of the victim or cause physical or mental harm to the victim directly or indirectly, using modern telecommunication networks such as Internet (Chat rooms, emails, notice boards and groups) and mobile phones (SMS/MMS)".[4] Such crimes may threaten a nation’s security and financial health.[5] Issues surrounding this type of crime have become high-profile, particularly those surrounding cracking, copyright infringement, child pornography, andchild grooming. There are also problems of privacy when confidential information is lost or intercepted, lawfully or otherwise.

Internationally, both governmental and non-state actors engage in cybercrimes, including espionage, financial theft, and other cross-border crimes. Activity crossing international borders and