NCJ Number
109094
Journal
Journal of Policy Analysis and Management Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: (Summer 1987) Pages: 714-716
Date Published
1987
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article points out that most computer crimes are not committed by people skilled in the use of sophisticated computer technology but by clerical, case/claim review, or client services employees.
Abstract
These 'data diddlers' are nonsupervisory, nonmanagerial, nontechnical employees. Most of them are young. One study found that nearly 20 percent of these employees had previous criminal records. The article suggests several ways to protect an organization from computer-related crime by data diddlers. Management must routinely undertake background checks, supervise more closely, provide good auditing procedures, and conduct random reviews of employees' work. Additionally, management must make its control measures known to all employees and must tell employees that they and their work are being watched. Management must also make it clear that employees who commit computer crimes will be punished by dismissal and prosecution if they are caught. The author concludes that organizations must not ignore sophisticated computer crimes. However, they must also be alert to the serious but less dramatic computer crimes of data diddlers.