Information Processes and Technology
Home > Information Processes and Technology > Information Systems and Databases > E-Crime
E-Crime - Answers
- Define e-crime and list three other terms by which it is also known.
There are a variety of definitions for e-crime. The Australian Government's NetAlert site states e-crime "is where computer or other electronic communications devices (e.g. mobile phones) are used to commit an offence, be the target of an offence or act as a storage device in an offence" (www.netalert.gov.au, 2008).
E-crime -related crime, hi-tech crime etc. - List and briefly describe three examples of e-crime.
There are many examples; here is a small selection:- Internet auction fraud - an item is not delivered after it is paid for or is not what was represented on the auction.
- Identity theft - an individual falsely representing him or herself as either another person or a fictitious person to an organisation for some benefit (e.g. opening a bank account).
- Cyber stalking - a person is stalked or harassed by another person using a service of the Internet such as email, instant messaging or social networking.
- Cyberhate - the publishing of "hate" websites by groups expressing racial or some other form of hatred.
- Phishing (also known as phising) - is the practice whereby a fraudster who is pretending to be from a legitimate organisation, sends misleading emails requesting personal and financial details from unsuspecting people.
- Internet/Email scams - the Internet provides a medium whereby unscrupulous operators can target consumers, with the marketing of illegal schemes and scams (e.g. get rich quick, miracle health products).
- Credit card fraud - usually occurs when an offender purchases an item online or by telephone, by utilising a credit card number that they have obtained unlawfully.
- Explain the reasons why many organisations are reluctant to reveal their exposure to e-crime.
Organisations - particularly government departments and those in the financial sector - may be afraid of losing the public's confidence if they reveal that they have been a victim of e-crime. They may also be requiredto make expensive changes to their IT infrastructure if their information systems are deemed to be insecure. - Discuss whether or not you consider armed robbery to be an
e-crime if the offender planned the crime using his/her computer.
There is no correct answer here; however it is important that you justify your response. There are those who argue that an e-crime must involve a computer or another digital device in the actual execution of a crime where others feel that computers only need to be "utilised in some manner to facilitate an offence for it to be considered an e-crime" (www.police.qld.gov.au, 2007). - Briefly describe two methods that can be used to help prevent e-crime.
Once again, there are many examples, here is just a few:- Running a spyware remover program can be used to remove spyware that has surreptitiously been installed onto your machine.
- In relation to scams, be cautious when responding to special investment offers (especially through unsolicited e-mail) or when dealing with individuals/companies outside Australia, as problems can be experienced with locating the person and with the difference in laws.
- Consider advising another person of your decision to meet with someone you have met online. Reconcile (check) your bank account/credit card statements on a regular basis to ensure no unauthorised transactions have been debited against your account.
References:
Australian Federal Police 2008, viewed April 15, 2008,http://www.afp.gov.au/national/e-crime.html 
Australian Government NetAlert 2008, viewed April 15, 2008,
http://www.netalert.gov.au/advice/risks/e-crime/what_is_e-crime.html
Qeensland Police Service 2007, viewed April 15, 2008,
http://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/crimePrevention/eCrime/default.htm
|