Computer Forensics and Cyber Crime Overview

The Extent of the Problem

• Crimes can be categorized by type: unique computer crimes (e.g., phreaking) and crimes facilitated by computers (e.g., distribution of child pornography).
• Targets of computer crimes include both private individuals and government entities.

Emergence of New Cybercrimes

• Increased electronic commerce has led to the introduction of new payment methods, requiring innovative security measures.
• Prepaid cards function like debit cards but lack geographic limitations.
• Stored value cards, also known as electronic purses, store data on a computer chip.
• Mobile payments can be made using smartphones, enhancing transaction flexibility.
• Internet payment services like PayPal facilitate online financial transactions.
• Digital precious metals link the value of electronic payments to physical precious metals.

Conclusions

• Greater reliance on technology presents both benefits and significant challenges.

Introduction to Computer Forensics and Cyber Crime

• Technological advancements have historically changed criminal law, such as the rise of wire fraud due to telephone networks and auto theft linked to car ownership.
• The rise of the Internet introduces new unacceptable behaviors, complicating law enforcement's ability to address these crimes.

Learning Objectives

• Understand societal changes brought by technology and the Internet.
• Identify the challenges related to enforcing and prosecuting computer crime.
• Familiarize with the extent and categories of computer-related crimes.

Cyberspace and Criminal Behavior

• The Digital Revolution's societal impact rivals that of the Industrial Revolution.
• Actions in cyberspace can have real-world repercussions, prompting organizations like the Electronic Freedom Foundation to challenge emerging criminal laws.

Types of Crime

• Computer crime refers to crimes committed directly with computers; cyber crime involves crimes utilizing the Internet.
• Computer-related crime includes crimes using computers, like the distribution of child pornography.

Problems Associated with Computer Crime

• Law enforcement faces difficulties, particularly with crimes across jurisdictions.
• The perception that computer crimes are less harmful than violent crimes affects resource allocation by prosecutors.
• Underreporting of computer crimes stems from the belief that they are not worth pursuing.
• Many law enforcement agencies struggle with insufficient financial and technical resources to investigate these offenses.

Introduction

• Technological advancements have historically influenced criminal law, introducing new offenses such as wire fraud and felony auto theft.
• The rise of the Internet has created new unacceptable behaviors, leading to challenges for law enforcement in enforcing cyber-related crimes.

Learning Objectives

• Understand societal changes driven by technological advancements and the Internet's rise.
• Identify enforcement challenges and prosecution complexities encountered in computer crime.
• Gain insight into the prevalence and categories of computer-related crime.

Cyberspace and Criminal Behavior

• The Digital Revolution's societal impact is comparable to the Industrial Revolution.
• Activities in the virtual space can have real-world ramifications, creating complexities in legal frameworks.
• Organizations such as the Electronic Freedom Foundation contest new cyber laws, reflecting societal tensions about digital policy.

Types of Crime

• Computer crime: Crimes directly committed using computers.
• Cyber crime: A subset of computer crime that specifically involves the Internet.
• Computer-related crime: Criminal activities that utilize computers in some capacity, like the spread of child pornography.

Problems Associated with Computer Crime

• Law enforcement faces significant difficulties investigating cyber crime due to jurisdictional complexities and technical challenges.
• Judicial challenges arise when addressing crimes transcending geographic borders.
• A general perception exists that computer crime is less severe compared to violent crime, leading to resource allocation issues.
• Prosecutors may prioritize violent crime over computer crime, exacerbating underreporting and lack of pursuit.

Extent of the Problem

• Crimes may be categorized by their nature: unique to computers (like phreaking) or those facilitated by computer use (like child pornography distribution).
• Target demographics for computer crimes can vary, focusing on either private individuals or government entities.

Example of New Cybercrime: The Emergence of e-Cash

• The growth of electronic commerce has necessitated innovative payment methods, introducing complexities in cyber crime.
• Prepaid cards: Function like debit cards but offer broader geographic usage.
• Stored value cards: Known as electronic purses, they store data on a chip.
• Mobile payments: Allow transactions via smartphones, enhancing convenience.
• Internet payment services: Services like PayPal enable secure online transactions.
• Digital precious metals: Electronic payment values are linked to precious metals, offering an alternative financial model.

Conclusions

• Increased dependence on computer technologies yields both advantages and challenges, necessitating ongoing adaptation in law enforcement and legal frameworks.