Contemporary Computer Crime and Malware

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a form of online crime?

Eco-terrorism

Identity theft

Spam

All of the above (correct)

Industrial espionage is considered a type of computer crime.

True

What impact does cyber terrorism have on public safety?

It poses threats that can disrupt public safety measures and create fear among the public.

______ is the act of stealing personal information for fraudulent purposes.

Identity theft Signup and view all the answers

Emerging trends in web-based crime do not include which of the following?

Complete elimination of cyber threats Signup and view all the answers

Name one motive classified for modern computer intruders.

Financial gain Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of threats with their descriptions:

Identity theft = Stealing personal information Cyber vandalism = Deliberately damaging digital property Malware = Malicious software designed to harm DOS attacks = Overloading a system to disrupt services Signup and view all the answers

Threats to personal security are unrelated to computer crime.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of ransomware?

It creates digital resources that cannot be accessed without payment. Signup and view all the answers

Ransomware typically requires users to have advanced technical knowledge to avoid them.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one method of proprietary information theft mentioned.

Social engineering Signup and view all the answers

The FBI estimates that over ______ foreign governments have intelligence operations targeting the U.S.

120 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of information theft with their descriptions:

Insider threats = Stealing information from within an organization Social engineering = Manipulating individuals to gain confidential information Theft of equipment = Physically stealing devices that contain sensitive data Malware = Using malicious software to access data Signup and view all the answers

Which method of information theft involves looking over someone's shoulder?

Shoulder surfing Signup and view all the answers

Trade secrets and copyrights hold value only based on the production of their owner.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of ransomware mentioned in the content?

PC Cyborg/Aids information Trojan Signup and view all the answers

What type of online activity involves the unsolicited distribution of materials such as pornography and treasonous content?

Web-Based Criminal Activity Signup and view all the answers

The Classical Era of viruses is characterized by widespread damage and malicious intent.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does DoS stand for in the context of cyber attacks?

Denial of Service Signup and view all the answers

Worms are primarily used to set up large-scale ______ attacks.

DoS Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of cyber threat with its description:

Virus = Malicious software that replicates itself Worm = Self-replicating malware that spreads across networks Botnet = Network of compromised computers used for attacks Spam = Unsolicited bulk messages sent via electronic communication Signup and view all the answers

Which era of viruses was characterized by infections in documents and templates?

Macro Era Signup and view all the answers

Fraudulent activities conducted online do not include stock manipulation.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one common use of a botnet in cybercrime?

Theft or distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a motive for modern computer intruders?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Identity theft is a type of computer crime that involves non-internet activities.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a common form of malware that disrupts computer systems?

virus Signup and view all the answers

Eco-terrorism involves __________ with the lawful use of computers.

interference Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of web-based criminal activity to their descriptions:

Industrial espionage = Theft of trade secrets Denial of Service (DoS) attack = Interference with service availability Cyber terrorism = Political motivation to intimidate or coerce Spam = Unsolicited distribution of emails Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of web-based criminal activity?

Increased computer performance Signup and view all the answers

Cyber vandalism includes the act of altering or defacing a website.

True Signup and view all the answers

What emerging trend in web-based crime is characterized by the use of technology by modern terrorists?

cyber terrorism Signup and view all the answers

During which era did viruses primarily target DOS machines?

Floppy Era Signup and view all the answers

Botnets are used only for non-malicious activity.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a Denial of Service (DoS) attack?

to overwhelm servers Signup and view all the answers

The act of sending unsolicited emails is referred to as _____

spam Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of malware with their definitions:

Virus = A program that can replicate and infect other files Worm = A standalone malware that replicates and spreads across networks Spam = Unwanted or unsolicited electronic messages Botnet = A network of compromised computers used for malicious purposes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a type of web-based crime?

Planting trees Signup and view all the answers

Ancillary crimes such as money laundering are irrelevant to web-based criminal activity.

False Signup and view all the answers

What do DoS and DDOS stand for in the context of cyber attacks?

Denial of Service and Distributed Denial of Service Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of ransomware?

It makes digital resources inoperable or inaccessible. Signup and view all the answers

Ransomware typically affects only high-security systems.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one method of proprietary information theft.

Social engineering Signup and view all the answers

The FBI estimates that over __________ foreign governments have intelligence operations targeting the U.S.

120 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following theft methods with their descriptions:

Shoulder surfing = Observing an individual to obtain confidential information Dumpster diving = Searching through waste to find sensitive data Insider threat = Employees manipulating data for personal gain Equipment theft = Stealing physical devices to access information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common vulnerability factor for users regarding ransomware?

Low level of education Signup and view all the answers

Trade secrets and copyrights have no value independent of their owner's production.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of ransomware mentioned in the content?

PC Cyborg/Aids Trojan Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a botnet in cybercrime?

To conduct DoS attacks and extortion Signup and view all the answers

Computer worms are primarily used for data encryption.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one method of disseminating malware during the Floppy Era.

Floppy disks Signup and view all the answers

Denial of Service (DoS) attacks aim to overwhelm __________.

servers Signup and view all the answers

Match the following eras of viruses with their characteristics:

Classical Era = Involved pranks or accidental distribution Floppy Era = Targeted DOS machines through floppy disks Macro Era = Infected documents and templates Internet Era = Sought out vulnerable systems Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crime involves threatening communications?

Cyber bullying Signup and view all the answers

Spam refers to legitimate electronic messaging.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does DDOS stand for?

Distributed Denial of Service Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes eco-terrorism?

Interference with lawful use of computers Signup and view all the answers

Cyber terrorism includes physical damage to facilities and equipment.

False Signup and view all the answers

What term is used for stealing personal information for fraudulent purposes?

Identity theft Signup and view all the answers

____ is a method of stealing proprietary information often carried out by malicious hackers.

Industrial espionage Signup and view all the answers

Match the following web-based criminal activities with their descriptions:

Cyber vandalism = Altering or defacing a website Malware = Software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems Spam = Unsolicited messages sent over the internet DoS Attack = Denying legitimate users access to a system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a consequence of web-based criminal activity?

Financial losses Signup and view all the answers

A Denial of Service (DoS) attack aims to improve the functionality of a network.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one emerging trend in web-based crime involving modern terrorists.

Use of technology for communication and planning attacks Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of a ransomware attack?

Inaccessibility of files until a ransom is paid Signup and view all the answers

Less educated users are typically more vulnerable to ransomware attacks.

True Signup and view all the answers

Name one traditional method used in proprietary information theft.

Insiders or social engineering Signup and view all the answers

The FBI estimates that over __________ foreign governments have intelligence operations targeting the U.S.

120 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of information theft with their descriptions:

Shoulder surfing = Observing someone enter personal information Dumpster diving = Searching through trash to find sensitive information Insider threats = Theft by employees or insiders Malware = Software designed to cause damage or stolen data Signup and view all the answers

What was the ransom amount demanded by the PC Cyborg/Aids Trojan to regain access to files?

$378 Signup and view all the answers

Trade secrets and copyrights hold value only based on the production of their owner.

False Signup and view all the answers

Identify one critical factor that can influence user vulnerability to ransomware.

User's level of education Signup and view all the answers

During which era did viruses primarily involve pranks or accidental distribution?

Classical Era Signup and view all the answers

Viruses in the Floppy Era were primarily targeted towards DOS machines.

True Signup and view all the answers

What type of cyber crime involves the unsolicited distribution of materials like pornography?

web-based criminal activity Signup and view all the answers

Worms are primarily used to set up large-scale ______ attacks.

DoS Signup and view all the answers

Which type of malware is characterized by the ability to replicate itself and spread across networks?

Worm Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of web-based criminal activities with their descriptions:

Extortion = Threatening communication aimed at obtaining money or services Cyber Bullying = Harassment through electronic means Online Gaming Fraud = Deceptive practices within online gaming environments Money Laundering = Concealing the origins of illegally obtained money Signup and view all the answers

Malware, in the context of cybercrime, does not include spam.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one common use of botnets in cybercrime.

DDOS attack Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a category of web-based criminal activity?

Malware distribution Signup and view all the answers

Identity theft is considered solely a financial crime with no impact on personal security.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one emerging trend in web-based crime.

Use of technology by modern terrorists Signup and view all the answers

___ theft involves stealing proprietary information through illegal means.

Industrial Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of online crime with their definitions:

DoS attacks = Overloading a system to deny service Malware = Software designed to disrupt or damage Cyber vandalism = Defacing or altering a website Eco-terrorism = Interference with lawful use of computers for environmental causes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT represent a financial loss associated with computer crime?

Employee training Signup and view all the answers

Financial losses from computer crime can only occur through direct theft.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of malware mentioned that can disrupt computer systems?

Viruses Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method used by insiders to steal proprietary information?

Social engineering Signup and view all the answers

Ransomware can make digital resources accessible only after a ransom is paid.

True Signup and view all the answers

Name one example of ransomware mentioned.

PC Cyborg/Aids Trojan Signup and view all the answers

Ransomware often targets users with a lower level of ______ education.

user Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of information theft with their respective descriptions:

Insider threat = Stealing information from within an organization Social engineering = Manipulating individuals to disclose confidential information Theft of equipment = Physically stealing devices that contain sensitive information Malware = Using harmful software to compromise systems Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of trade secrets and copyrights?

They have value regardless of the owner's ability to produce them. Signup and view all the answers

Political espionage does not involve foreign governments targeting the U.S.

False Signup and view all the answers

The FBI estimates that over ______ foreign governments have intelligence operations targeting the U.S.

120 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors may increase a user's vulnerability to ransomware?

Sophistication of the ransomware product Signup and view all the answers

Social engineering tactics are used exclusively by external hackers.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the financial amount that victims had to pay for access restoration after the PC Cyborg/Aids Trojan attack?

$378 Signup and view all the answers

Ransomware is a type of malware that makes digital resources or .

inoperable, inaccessible Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of proprietary information theft with their methods:

Insiders = Theft from employees or maintenance staff Shoulder Surfing = Observing someone's private information over their shoulder Dumpster Diving = Retrieving discarded information from trash Theft of Equipment = Physically stealing devices containing sensitive information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a serious concern regarding trade secrets and copyrights?

They can have value independent of the owner. Signup and view all the answers

The FBI estimates that fewer than 50 foreign governments have intelligence operations targeting the U.S.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of espionage involves government entities monitoring communications or activities?

Political Espionage Signup and view all the answers

What is one motive for modern computer intruders?

Financial gain Signup and view all the answers

Industrial espionage is considered a form of web-based criminal activity.

True Signup and view all the answers

Name one example of threats to personal security mentioned.

Identity theft Signup and view all the answers

Cyber __________ involves using technology in a manner that disrupts or harms a community for political or ideological reasons.

terrorism Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of web-based criminal activity with their descriptions:

DoS Attacks = Overloading a server to make it unavailable Malware = Software designed to disrupt or damage computer systems Eco-terrorism = Attacks aimed at protecting the environment Identity theft = Stealing someone’s personal information for fraud Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a financial consequence of computer crime?

Increased employment rates Signup and view all the answers

Eco-terrorism does not interfere with the lawful use of computers.

False Signup and view all the answers

What classification of crime involves unauthorized access and misuse of information?

Information theft Signup and view all the answers

Which type of web-based criminal activity involves the unsolicited distribution of offensive materials?

Spam Signup and view all the answers

The primary purpose of a botnet is to launch cyber attacks, such as DoS attacks.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the effects of Denial of Service (DoS) attacks on servers?

They overwhelm servers to disrupt service. Signup and view all the answers

The era when viruses began infecting documents and templates is known as the __________ Era.

Macro Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of malware with its description:

Virus = Self-replicating program that attaches to files Worm = Spreads independently across networks Trojan = Disguised as legitimate software Ransomware = Encrypts files and demands payment Signup and view all the answers

What is the classical purpose of viruses developed during the Classical Era?

Pranks or accidental distribution Signup and view all the answers

Cyberbullying is classified under threatening communications.

True Signup and view all the answers

Name one type of web-based criminal activity related to financial fraud.

Credit card fraud Signup and view all the answers

Which era of viruses was characterized by widespread use of floppy disks?

Floppy Era Signup and view all the answers

Digital fraud includes activities like auction fraud and credit card fraud.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does a DoS attack aim to do?

Overwhelm servers Signup and view all the answers

______ are used in cybercrime to create an army of compromised computers.

Botnets Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of malware with their definitions:

Worms = Used to set up large-scale DoS attacks Viruses = Attach themselves to programs or files Spam = Unsolicited electronic communications Ransomware = Holds user data hostage for payment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of threatening communication?

Cyberbullying Signup and view all the answers

Ancillary crimes, such as money laundering, are considered ______ to web-based criminal activity.

related Signup and view all the answers

Macro viruses primarily target standalone applications.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that increases a user's vulnerability to ransomware?

Technical education level Signup and view all the answers

Ransomware can only be delivered through online channels.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one method of traditional information theft mentioned.

Insiders or social engineering Signup and view all the answers

Ransomware typically encrypts files and demands a ransom to __________ them.

decrypt Signup and view all the answers

Match the following actions with their corresponding methods of proprietary information theft:

Shoulder surfing = Social engineering tactic Dumpster diving = Searching for information in trash Insider threat = Employee-based theft Malware = Software-based theft Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a specific example of ransomware?

PC Cyborg/Aids Signup and view all the answers

Political espionage involves monitoring and gathering information by foreign governments.

True Signup and view all the answers

What organization estimates that over 120 foreign governments have intelligence operations targeting the U.S.?

FBI Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crime involves the theft of confidential business information?

Industrial espionage Signup and view all the answers

Interference with lawful use of computers is a form of online crime.

True Signup and view all the answers

Name one common motive for modern computer intruders.

Financial gain Signup and view all the answers

____ is a type of malware that can encrypt user data for ransom.

Ransomware Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of online crime with their definitions:

Dos attacks = Attacks that overwhelm a system to make it unavailable Identity theft = Stealing personal information for fraudulent use Cyber terrorism = Using technology to conduct politically motivated attacks Malware = Software designed to disrupt, damage or gain unauthorized access to systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of web-based crime?

Trade secrets protection Signup and view all the answers

Economic losses due to cybercrime only occur within the financial sector.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one emerging trend in web-based crime involving modern terrorists?

Use of technology for recruitment and attacks Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Contemporary Computer Crime

Internet based crime can have a multitude of consequences including financial losses, threats to personal security, industrial espionage, threats to international security, and threats to public safety

Web-Based Criminal Activity

Cyber crime can be broadly categorized into several areas including interference with the lawful use of computers, theft of information and copyright infringement, dissemination of contraband or offensive materials, threatening communications, fraud, and ancillary crimes

Malware: Viruses

The design and dissemination of viruses has developed through different phases:
- The classical era (1960s to 1970s) involved pranks or were accidentally distributed
- The floppy era (1980s to 1990s) targeted DOS machines and were primarily distributed via floppy disks
- The macro era (1990s to 2000s) infected documents and templates rather than programs
- The internet era (2000 to present) has seen more sophisticated viruses seeking out vulnerable systems
The spread of worms is often linked to a large-scale denial-of-service attack

Malware: Worms, DoS, and Botnets

Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks aim to overwhelm computer servers, often through methods such as mail-bombing
Botnets and zombie armies utilize compromised computers as a network (or botnet) to commit crimes such as theft, extortion, or DDoS attacks

Malware: Spam

Spam is the abuse of electronic messaging systems, consuming resources across multiple platforms

Malware: Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that renders digital resources inoperable or inaccessible as part of an extortionate scheme
Factors that contribute to the success of ransomware include the level of user education (less educated users are more susceptible) and the sophistication of the ransomware itself (not easily remedied by common software solutions)
The PC Cyborg/Aids information Trojan, which was distributed via floppy mail, required victims to pay a fee to regain access to their files and decrypt their data

Theft of Information, Data Manipulation, and Web Encroachment

Traditional methods for the theft of proprietary information can include:
- Insiders, either while employed or through maintenance backdoors
- Social engineering, such as shoulder surfing and dumpster diving
- Theft of equipment
- Malware
There are concerns around the theft of trade secrets and copyrights, as these forms of intellectual property have value regardless of who owns them
The theft of this type of property can be perpetrated by disgruntled employees, competitors, and government entities
Political espionage is a serious threat, with estimates suggesting that over 120 foreign governments have intelligence operations targeting the United States
- The FBI discovered that Israeli intelligence had secretly monitored presidential communications

Web-Based Criminal Activity

Web-based crime includes interference with legal use of computers, theft of information and copyright infringement, dissemination of contraband or offensive materials, fraudulent behaviour, and ancillary crimes.
Examples of Web-based criminal activity includes denial-of-service attacks, malware infection, spamming, cyberbullying, credit card fraud, money laundering, and identity theft.

Malware: Viruses

In the classical era (1960s-1970s), viruses were often pranks, distributed accidentally or purposefully.
During the floppy era (1980s-1990s), viruses primarily targeted DOS machines and were often distributed via floppy disks.
The macro era (1990s-2000s) saw viruses infect documents and templates rather than programs.
In the internet era (2000-present), viruses have become more sophisticated and target vulnerable systems on the internet.

Malware: Worms, DoS, and Botnets

Worms are often used to set up large-scale distributed denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
DoS and DDoS attacks are designed to overwhelm servers, often through mail-bombing.
Botnets (zombie armies) use compromised computers linked to the internet to perform illegal activities such as theft, extortion, and DDoS attacks.

Malware: Spam

Spam is the abuse of electronic messaging systems.
Spam is used to generate revenue, spread misinformation, or harass users.

Malware: Ransomware

Ransomware is malware that makes digital resources inoperable or inaccessible to extort money from users.
The success of ransomware relies on the user's education level, the sophistication of the malware, and the lack of available software remedies.

Theft of Information, Data Manipulation, and Web Encroachment

Traditional methods of proprietary information theft can occur due to insiders, social engineering, theft of equipment, and malware.
Theft of intellectual property, such as trade secrets and copyrights, can result from disgruntled employees, competitors, and government entities.
Political espionage is a serious problem, with over 120 foreign governments estimated to be targeting the US.

Theft of Information, Data Manipulation, and Web Encroachment

Political espionage can be used to gain an advantage in international relations or economic competition.
Israel intelligence, for example, secretly monitored Presidential communications in 2000, displaying the potential for international political influence.

Web-Based Criminal Activity

Includes financial loss, cyber threats, and industrial espionage.
Examples of online crime include interference with lawful use of computers, theft of information and copyright infringement, and dissemination of contraband or offensive materials.
Other web-based crimes include threatening communications, fraud, and ancillary crimes.

Malware: Viruses

Early viruses involved pranks or were distributed accidentally.
Floppy era viruses mainly infected DOS machines and were primarily distributed via floppy disks.
Macro era viruses infected documents and templates rather than programs.
Internet era viruses are more sophisticated and target vulnerable systems.

Malware: Worms, DoS, and Botnets

Worms are often used to create large-scale DoS attacks.
Denial of Service (DoS) attempts to overload servers, for example, through mail-bombing.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks use compromised computers (zombies) linked to the internet as a botnet for theft, extortion, or DDoS attacks.

Malware: Spam

Spam abuses electronic messaging systems, taking up resources across multiple platforms.

Malware: Ransomware

Ransomware restricts access to digital resources in an extortion scheme.
Victims with less computer literacy are more vulnerable to ransomware.
Examples include the PC Cyborg/Aids Trojan, distributed through mail on a floppy disk, requiring $378 payment for access recovery.

Theft of Information, Data Manipulation, and Web Encroachment

Traditional methods of information theft include actions by insiders, social engineering (like shoulder surfing and dumpster diving), theft of equipment, and malware.
Trade secrets and copyrights have inherent value independent of the owner's production, such as a company's new razor design.
Theft of trade secrets can result from disgruntled employees, competitors, or government entities.
Political espionage poses a significant threat, as governments monitor the U.S. on a large scale, such as the Israeli intelligence monitoring Presidential communications.

Web-Based Criminal Activity

Computer crimes can extend beyond the internet, encompassing financial losses, threats to personal security, industrial espionage, threats to international security, and threats to public safety.
Activities that fall under "online crime" include interference with lawful computer use via eco-terrorism, DOS attacks, malware deployment, cyber vandalism, cyber terrorism, spam, and information theft such as industrial espionage, ID theft, and ID fraud.
Other web-based criminal activities include the dissemination of contraband or offensive materials like pornography, child pornography, online gaming, and treasonous or racist material.
Threatening communications via extortion, cyber stalking, cyber harassment, and cyber bullying are also included.
Financial crimes like auction fraud, credit card fraud, theft of services, stock manipulation, and ancillary crimes like money laundering and conspiracy are prevalent.

Malware: Viruses

Viruses have evolved through different phases:
- Classical Era (1960s–1970s): Focused on pranks or accidental distribution.
- Floppy Era (1980s–1990s): Targeted DOS machines, predominantly spread through floppy disks.
- Macro Era (1990s–2000s): Infected documents and templates rather than programs.
- Internet Era (2000–present): More sophisticated, seeking vulnerable systems.

Malware: Worms, DoS, and Botnets

Worms commonly serve as a foundation for large-scale DoS attacks.
Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks attempt to overwhelm servers, often through mail-bombing tactics.
Botnets and Zombie Armies utilize compromised computers connected to the internet, forming a botnet for theft, extortion, or DDoS attacks.

Malware: Spam

Spam involves the abuse of electronic messaging systems, consuming resources across multiple platforms.

Malware: Ransomware

Ransomware disrupts or restricts access to digital resources as part of an extortion scheme.
The effectiveness of ransomware depends on user education levels and the sophistication of the software.

Theft of Information, Data Manipulation, and Web Encroachment

Traditional methods of stealing proprietary information involve insiders, social engineering tactics such as shoulder surfing and dumpster diving, equipment theft, and malware.
Concerns surrounding trade secrets and copyrights involve the value of intellectual property independent of the owner's production.
Disgruntled employees, competitors, and government entities can be involved in the theft of trade secrets and copyrights.
Political Espionage poses significant threats, with the FBI reporting that over 120 foreign governments have intelligence operations targeting the U.S.
Israeli intelligence has been known to secretly monitor Presidential communications.

Contemporary Computer Crime

Computer crime encompasses various activities, including financial losses, threats to personal security, industrial espionage, threats to international security, and threats to public safety.

Web-Based Criminal Activity

Web-based crime encompasses various forms, including interference with lawful computer use, theft of information, dissemination of contraband, threatening communications, fraud, and ancillary crimes.

Malware: Viruses

Virus development and distribution have evolved through distinct phases: Classical Era, Floppy Era, Macro Era, and Internet Era.
The Internet Era has seen the development of more sophisticated viruses seeking vulnerable systems.

Malware: Worms, DoS, and Botnets

Worms primarily serve as a tool for launching large-scale DoS attacks.
DoS and DDoS attacks aim to overwhelm servers via techniques like mail-bombing.
Botnets are comprised of compromised computers, linked to the internet, forming a "zombie army" for illicit purposes like theft, extortion, and DDoS attacks.

Malware: Spam

Spam refers to the abuse of electronic messaging systems, consuming resources across multiple platforms.

Malware: Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that disables or restricts access to digital resources in an extortion scheme.
Factors contributing to ransomware susceptibility include user education level (less educated, more vulnerable) and the sophistication of the ransomware (not easily addressed by typical software remedies).

Theft of Information, Data Manipulation, and Web Encroachment

Traditional methods of proprietary information theft involve insiders, social engineering, equipment theft, and malware.
Trade secrets and copyrights possess value independently of their owner's production, making them vulnerable to theft.
Theft can originate from disgruntled employees, competitors, and government entities.
Political espionage presents a significant concern, with the FBI estimating that over 120 foreign governments conduct intelligence operations targeting the United States.

Web-Based Criminal Activity

Computer crimes cause financial losses and threaten personal security, industrial espionage, international security, and public safety
Online crimes include interference with the lawful use of computers, theft of information and copyright infringement, dissemination of contraband or offensive materials, threatening communications, fraud, and ancillary crimes.

Malware: Viruses

Virus design and dissemination have progressed through different phases:
- Classical Era (1960s–1970s): pranks or accidental distribution.
- Floppy Era (1980s–1990s): DOS machines; primarily distributed via floppy disks.
- Macro Era (1990s–2000s): Infected documents and templates, rather than programs.
- Internet Era (2000–present): Sophisticated, seeking out vulnerable systems.

Malware: Worms, DoS, and Botnets

Worms are primarily used for large-scale DoS (Denial of Service) attacks
DoS and DDOS (Distributed Denial of Service) Attacks overwhelm servers
- Mail-bombing can cause a DoS attack
Botnets use compromised computers to steal, extort, or carry out DDoS attacks

Malware: Spam

Uses electronic messaging systems to take up resources across multiple platforms

Malware: Ransomware

Makes digital resources inoperable or inaccessible in an extortion scheme
Factors influencing vulnerability include:
- User's education level (less educated, more vulnerable)
- Sophistication of the ransomware (not amenable to common software remedies)

Theft of Information, Data Manipulation, and Web Encroachment

Methods of proprietary information theft include:
- Insiders using their position or maintenance back doors
- Social engineering: shoulder-surfing and dumpster diving
- Theft of equipment
- Malware
Trade secrets and copyrights are valuable regardless of the owner’s production.
- Theft can be perpetrated by disgruntled employees, competitors, and government entities
Political espionage is a serious threat
- The FBI estimates that over 120 foreign governments have intelligence operations targeting the U.S.
- Israeli intelligence secretly monitored Presidential communications.

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Description

This quiz covers the various aspects of contemporary computer crime, including internet-based offenses and the evolution of malware. Explore the different phases of virus development and the impacts of cybercriminal activities on society and security. Test your understanding of these critical topics in digital safety.