Cis 600 Paper - Computer Crime Is a Major. Largely Undiscovered Problem. Computer Law Is Not Adequate to Handle Computer Crime

Jason Bell

Professor: Dr. Kandies

Course: CIS600

9/13/16

Computer Crime is a Major. Largely Undiscovered Problem. Computer Law is Not Adequate to Handle Computer Crime

Introduction

Kaspersky Lab, a Moscow-based security firm, released a report in 2015 that indicated a group of international hackers stole an amount summing up to 1 billion from 100 different financial institutions (Whitehouse, 2015).  These attacks installed malware on computer systems of individuals and firms in 30 different nations. Up until this occurrence, cyber attacks of this magnitude had not been carried with this much sophistication (Whitehouse, 2015).  This caused a growing concern amongst experts in the cyber security field that attacks like this one would become a trend (Whitehouse, 2015).

Over the thirty years, the world has experienced increases in the availability of electronic resources and technology. As a result of increase in technology and electronic resources, criminals have adapted and change how they commit crime (Wilson & Kunz, 2014); before advances in technology criminals would have to physically go to a bank to rob it. Therefore, these innovative ways of robbing banks pose a new challenge to law enforcement agencies at all levels. The question is how do they prevent, investigate, and prosecute these crimes. In order to fight cybercrime law enforcement agencies have implement units that specialize in cybercrimes both at state and federal levels (Wilson & Kunz, 2014); as it exist today, there is not a uniform method to define and addressing cybercrime (Wilson & Kunz, 2014). Undoubtedly, this has significantly hampered the fight against this vice. Robert Richardson, a former CSI director, indicated that security professionals simply do not have a clue how badly the intregity of computer systems around the world are being impacted by these hackers (Richardson, 2008). Computer crime is a growing threat and trends indicate that the threat will continue to grow with increases in technology.

Defining Computer Crime

According to Interpol, an international policing agency, there is not a universal definition of cybercrime (Interpol, n.d.).  Law enforcement agencies usually divide cybercrime into two categories. Attacks that involve sophisticated attacks against computer hardware and software fall under the advanced cybercrime category (Interpol, n.d.).  The second category, cyber-enabled crime, consists of more traditional cybercrimes like crime against children and terrorism (Interpol, n.d.).

Law enforcement agencies around the world are tasked with fighting these crimes.  In order to effective combat the growth of cybercrime; many agencies have implemented special units that only deal with these crimes.  Interpol offers educational programs to help agencies keep up with trends and new methods of combating the problem (Interpol, n.d.).  Educating law enforcement officers on cybercrime teaches them what to look for and help the officers convey to the general public what actions to take to secure their systems.  Moreover, if law agencies want to effectively reduce cybercrime, there needs to be more uniformity in defining and identifying cybercrime.  Universal definition will give researcher and crime fighters more concrete statistical data.  Statistical data will enable law enforcement to analyze cyber threats and patterns of attacks.  More statistical data will ensure that the right legislation are passed to protect the public against falling victim to cybercrimes.