NCJ Number
131713
Journal
American Criminal Law Review Volume: 27 Issue: 3 Dated: (1990) Pages: 525-543
Date Published
1990
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Computer viruses represent a unique type of computer crime and can be most effectively controlled by a combination of popular sanctions, legislation, and industry cooperation.
Abstract
The legal system has been slow to respond to recent advances in computer technology, although the virus problem has prompted extensive legislation activity. To address this problem, a major shift in societal attitudes about computer crime is needed. Thus, all people, especially computer programmers, must be persuaded that creating and spreading viruses is undesirable behavior. The media and public education can both help shape these attitudes and support societal denunciation of viruses. The role of legislation is both to deter crime and to express the societal view that this behavior is wrong. Finally, the computer industry must work to improve computer security, identify and eliminate viruses in new software, and eradicate viruses in previously clean systems. Voluntary standards for computer security would also be helpful. These measures by industry are needed to protect computer systems against viruses set in motion by individuals who are not deterred by public sanctions or legislation. Footnotes