Fighting Cybercrime / Computer Crime

Cybercrime (computer crime) is the use of a computer system or technology to commit and aid in the commission of a crime. Computer crimes provide three attractive advantages. These are speed, convenience, and anonymity. Just as computer systems have made traditional commerce dramatically more efficient, it has done the same to criminal enterprises. For example, a drug dealer may save a database of suppliers and customers on his cell phone for easy use. A forger uses A computer system and a scanner to create false documentation. The computer's role continues to increase and evolve both in business and in its potential for misuse. 

Some examples include:

• Computer Intrusion or Hacking obtaining unauthorized access to computer data.
• Computer Fraud uses a computer to deceive another for personal gain intentionally.
• Viruses are computer programs that replicate themselves.
• Online Predators use computer systems to exploit or aid in the exploitation of a minor sexually.
• Identity Theft involves assuming another person's identity
• Phishing is acquiring identifiable information through the use of deception.

Cost of Cybercrime - Computer Crime

From 2007 until 2008, it is estimated cybercrime cost over $ 8 billion. Law enforcement and the private sector are constantly struggling to keep pace with criminals. It is even more difficult for public and private computer crime investigators because the technology is evolving. For example, the cell phone was once just a simple device to make a telephone call. Now a "smart" phone has more technology than was used to place the first man on the moon. The smartphone can make a telephone call, but it sends emails, instant messages, text messages, takes pictures, composes text documents, and much more. The same is true of the computer system. The early computer systems were just electronic typewriters. Now average home computers can run a website, a database, a financial program, a complete desktop publishing suite of programs, and much more.

Highest Computer Crimes / Cybercrime Rates

The Internet Fraud Complaint Center and the FBI work jointly to track computer crimes. According to their statistics, the following states have the highest rate of computer crime by population.

• Alaska
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• New Jersey
• Nevada
• Maryland
• Washington
• Florida
• Arizona
• Virginia

Internet Fraud Complaint Center has more information.

Tips to Avoid Computer Crime / Cyber Crime

The FBI provides the following tips to limit your exposure to computer crime. Here are their suggestions.

• Never respond to SPAM.
• Never click on links within a SPAM.
• Do not download images within emails or open attachments unless you know the sender.
• Don't complete forms from SPAM messages which request personal information.
• View every link within a suspicious email as a threat. Compare any URL link to the actual site. Make sure this is to the legitimate site.
• Go independently to the official website instead of following a link within an email message.
• Verify any requests for personal information by contacting the business's customer service representative from a recent statement.

If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Reporting Cybercrime

A victim can report cybercrime to several different government agencies. Please bear in mind these organizations may receive a large number of complaints. It does not mean that the organization will open a criminal case. Each organization has internal means of determining what will open a criminal case.

• Federal Bureau of Investigation Field Office
• United States Secret Service Field Office
• Federal Trade Commission
• Securities and Exchange Commission, if it is an investment-related SPAM email -
• Internet Crime Complaint Center

It is also possible to report this information to private watchdog organizations

Better Business Bureau

About ASDFED

The American Society of Digital Forensics & eDiscovery (ASDFED) is the professional association for these brave, often overlooked individuals. These professionals rely upon ASDFED for a scholarship.