Cybercrime: An Introduction - PDF

CYBERCRIME AN INTRODUCTION Definition: Holt and Bossler (2016, p.7) defined cybercrime as “offences that occur in online environment” According to Thomas and Loader (2000, p.3) cybercrime refers to “computer-mediated activities which are either illegal or considered illicit by certain pa...

CYBERCRIME AN INTRODUCTION Definition: Holt and Bossler (2016, p.7) defined cybercrime as “offences that occur in online environment” According to Thomas and Loader (2000, p.3) cybercrime refers to “computer-mediated activities which are either illegal or considered illicit by certain parties and which can be conducted through global electronic networks.” The Nigerian Cyber-crime Working Group (2005, p.2) defined cybercrime as “conducts prohibited by law with prescribed punishment, carried out using computers, electronic ancillary devices, processes and/or procedures” Key Points Cybercrime is a computer/technology-enabled crime It is committed through the cyberspace/internet It may be committed via computer-mediated communication (CMC), electronic ancillary devices such as cell phones, ipads, Internet-of-Things etc. It is an outlawed conduct with prescribed punishment A computer may be used as a tool to commit cybercrime or can in actual fact be the target of cybercrime Victims of cybercrime may be individuals or groups Victims of cybercrime may experience harm, which may be physical or psychological loss. Terms: Cyber - of, relating to, or involving computers or computer networks (such as the Internet) Cyberspace - refers to the virtual computer world used to facilitate interactions and communication across a global network of interconnected systems. Cyber espionage - also known as cyber spying, is the act of stealing sensitive information for personal, political, or competitive gain. Cyberstalking - is the use of digital technology to track and harass someone Difference between Computer Crime and Cybercrime?? Discuss with your class members Present the result of your discussion Provide literature facts to back up your argument Characteristics of Cybercrime Anonymity: Cyber criminals can disguise and make it difficult for investigators to know their true identifies. Anonymity remains one of the most aggravating factors in cybercrime Global Reach: The internet is a global resource and this raises the question of jurisdiction. Jurisdictional issues have remained contentious in transnational cybercrime investigation Classifications of Cybercrime Cybercrime scholars and international organizations have offered some classifications of cybercrime. Wall (2001) provided four categories of cybercrime namely: cyber trespass cyber deceptions/theft cyber pornography cyber violence. Classifications of Cybercrime CONT. Cyber Trespass–This refers to the act of trespassing into the property of others online with the intention to cause damage there. Examples: hacking, virus attack. Cyber Deceptions/theft: This is the act of stealing money or property online such as credit card fraud, phishing e-mails, violation of intellectual property etc. Cyber Pornography: This includes all activities that violate laws against online obscenity and indecency. Example child pornography, revenge pornography etc. Cyber Violence: This is the act of causing psychological harm to or instigating physical harm against others online and in so doing violating human rights laws. Examples include: online hate speech, cyber stalking etc.