NCJ Number
187203
Date Published
2000
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This discussion of current and emerging forms of computer-related crime focuses on nine generic forms of illegality involving information systems as instruments or as targets of crime and discusses issues arising from the global reach of information systems.
Abstract
The basic principles of criminology apply to computer-related crime as well as other kinds of crime. Thus, crimes require opportunity, motivated offenders, and a lack of capable guardianship to prevent and detect the crime. The motivations of perpetrators of computer-related crime are diverse and similar to those for other crimes. Changes in technology have increased vulnerability to crime and the numbers of prospective offenders. The generic forms of illegality related to information systems include the theft of information services, communications in furtherance of criminal conspiracies, telecommunications piracy, dissemination of offensive materials, electronic money laundering and tax evasion, electronic vandalism and terrorism, sales and investment fraud, illegal interception of telecommunications, and fraud in electronic funds transfer. Responsibilities for controlling computer-related crime will involve the government, information security specialists in the private sector, and individual users. The challenges of addressing computer-related crime involve both investigative issues and extra-territorial issues. Premature regulatory interventions might not only fail to be effective, but also might have a negative impact on the development of technology for the benefit of all. The development of international arrangements may occur in a manner similar to those for other extraterritorial issues such as nuclear testing and whaling. Footnotes