The Effects of Cybercrime in the U.S. and Abroad

By Randall Knight B.S. L.L.B L.L.M.

This book focuses upon cybercrime activity in the United States and abroad. I have explored the problems that have arisen since the induction of the Internet. Discussing the realities of malicious attacks against the United States infrastructure, cyber terrorism, and white collar crimes. The goal of this book is to inform the government and consumer alike to protect themselves from cyber intrusion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 17, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496949905

Randall Knight B.S. L.L.B L.L.M.

Randall Knight is a retired law enforcement officer and a law school graduate. He is a single parent and lives in New York City with his daughter.

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© 2014 Randall Knight, B.S., L.L.B, L.L.M. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 11/052014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-4991-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-4990-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014919184

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Introduction

I.   History Of Cybercrime

A.   Information Age

B.   White Collar Crime Considerations

C.   Aspects Of International Cybercrime Criminals

II.   Types Of Cybercrimes (Topology) In The US/International Regions And It Implications.

A.   Cyber Terrorsim

B.   Cyber Warfare

C.   Cyber Stalking

D.   Spam

E.   On-Line Hoax

F.   Internet Shopping

G.   Auction Fraud

H.   Phishing Scam

I.   Identity Theft

J.   Child Pornography & Exploitation

K.   Intellectual Property

III.   Who Are The Victims.

A.   Consumers

B.   Business Owners

C.   Government Effect

IV.   Reducing The Risk Of Cyber Attacks On Computer Networks

A.   History Of Computer Viruses

B.   Protecting Computer Network Against Attacks

V.   Cybercrime Laws And Statutes

A.   Usa Patriot Act

B.   Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act

C.   Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Of 1998

D.   Identification Theft And Assumption Deterrence Act

E.   The Computer Fraud And Abuse Act. 18 U.S.C. §1030

VI.   Proposed Analyzed Solutions And Recommendations Of Privacy And Safety When Accessing The Internet

This book is being published in the

memory of my mother Frances Nellie Morris Knight and my lovely daughter Niara Renee Knight.

INTRODUCTION

In today’s society computer technology has made it possible to communicate electronically in almost every aspect of life. The speed and efficiency of communicating electronically is overwhelming. Computers are used to store confidential data of social, economical, political and personal nature. Computer cybercrime refers to any crime that involves a computer and a network, where computers may or may not have played an instrumental part in the commission of the crime. Cybercrime activities include criminal offenses such as illegal downloading music files, stealing millions of dollars from on-line accounts. It also includes non-monetary offenses, such as creating and distributing computer viruses or posting confidential business information on the internet¹. One of the most popular cybercrime activities that is posed in today’s society is identity theft, which is the stealing of personal information such as passwords, phone numbers, addresses, credit card number and bank account information, etc. The cybercriminal gains access to this information in numerous ways. Once this information is obtained the fraudulent process begins. This raises concerns of privacy invasion and the laws that protect them.

Another form of computer crime is referred to as Net crime². Defined as criminal exploitation of the internet, it includes such crime as computer hacking, copyright infringement, child pornography, child grooming, etc. Net crime criminals; have the ability to engage in activities that include espionage, financial theft and cyber warfare. This raises concerns domestically and internationally. The U.S. Department of Defense reports that cyberspace has become a national-level concern. In 2007, an attack on Estonia’s infrastructure was alleged to be done by Russian hackers. In 2008 Russian hackers conducted cyber attacks against the country of Georgia. There are literally thousands of cybercrimes that are committed, but few get caught and prosecuted. To solve this issue prevention and prosecution of offenders should be enforced to the fullest extent of the law.

Due to the global aspect of the internet and computer based commerce/communication, enforcement and prosecution is feasible undermined by the applicable laws which are based upon geographical boundaries. There is a need for global awareness for all countries involved in cybercrime offenses. Legislative laws should be amended and applied appropriately.

I. History of Cybercrime

The birth of Electronic Technology dates back as far to 1876,