The Computer and the Internet

What is Computer?

- A computer is a machine or device that performs processes, calculations and operations

based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program. It is designed to

execute applications and provides a variety of solutions by combining integrated

hardware and software components.

- A computer is made up of multiple parts and components that facilitate user

functionality. A computer has two primary categories:

Internet

The Internet (or internet)[a] is a global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the
Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP)[b] to communicate between networks and devices. It is a network of
networks that consists of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to
global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies. The
Internet carries a vast range of information resources and services, such as the interlinked hypertext
documents and applications of the World Wide Web (WWW), electronic mail, telephony, and file
sharing.

Elements of Computer Crime

1. Computer

2. Crime

Cyber Security

the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data
from malicious attacks. It's also known as information technology security or electronic information
security. The term applies in a variety of contexts, from business to mobile computing, and can be
divided into a few common categories.

· Network security is the practice of securing a computer network from intruders, whether targeted
attackers or opportunistic malware.

Application security focuses on keeping software and devices free of threats. A compromised

application could provide access to the data its designed to protect. Successful security begins in the
design

stage, well before a program or device is deployed.

· Information security protects the integrity and privacy of data, both in storage and in transit.
· Operational security includes the processes and decisions for handling and protecting data assets. The

permissions users have when accessing a network and the procedures that determine how and where
data

may be stored or shared all fall under this umbrella.

· Disaster recovery and business continuity define how an organization responds to a cyber-security

incident or any other event that causes the loss of operations or data. Disaster recovery policies dictate
how

the organization restores its operations and information to return to the same operating capacity as
before

the event. Business continuity is the plan the organization falls back on while trying to operate without
certain

resources.

· End-user education addresses the most unpredictable cyber-security factor: people. Anyone can

accidentally introduce a virus to an otherwise secure system by failing to follow good security practices.

Teaching users to delete suspicious email attachments, not plug in unidentified USB drives, and various

other important lessons is vital for the security of any organization.

Types of cyber threats

The threats countered by cyber-security are three-fold:

1. Cybercrime includes single actors or groups targeting systems for financial gain or to cause disruption.

2. Cyber-attack often involves politically motivated information gathering.

3. Cyberterrorism is intended to undermine electronic systems to cause panic or fear.

So, how do malicious actors gain control of computer systems? Here are some common methods used
to

threaten cyber-security:

Malware

Malware means malicious software. One of the most common cyber threats, malware is software that a

cybercriminal or hacker has created to disrupt or damage a legitimate user’s computer. Often spread via
an

unsolicited email attachment or legitimate-looking download, malware may be used by cybercriminals

to

make money or in politically motivated cyber-attacks.

There are a number of different types of malware, including:

· Virus: A self-replicating program that attaches itself to clean file and spreads throughout a

computer system, infecting files with malicious code.

· Trojans: A type of malware that is disguised as legitimate software. Cybercriminals trick users into

uploading Trojans onto their computer where they cause damage or collect data.

· Spyware: A program that secretly records what a user does, so that cybercriminals can make use

of this information. For example, spyware could capture credit card details.

· Ransomware: Malware which locks down a user’s files and data, with the threat of erasing it

unless a ransom is paid.

· Adware: Advertising software which can be used to spread malware.

· Botnets: Networks of malware infected computers which cybercriminals use to perform tasks

online without the user’s permission.

Phishing

Phishing is when cybercriminals target victims with emails that appear to be from a legitimate company

asking for sensitive information. Phishing attacks are often used to dupe people into handing over credit
card

data and other personal information.

Man-in-the-middle attack

A man-in-the-middle attack is a type of cyber threat where a cybercriminal intercepts communication

between two individuals in order to steal data. For example, on an unsecure WiFi network, an attacker
could

intercept data being passed from the victim’s device and the network.

Denial-of-service attack

A denial-of-service attack is where cybercriminals prevent a computer system from fulfilling legitimate

requests by overwhelming the networks and servers with traffic. This renders the system unusable,

preventing an organization from carrying out vital functions.

Latest cyber threats

What are the latest cyber threats that individuals and organizations need to guard against? Here are
some of
the most recent cyber threats that the U.K., U.S., and Australian governments have reported on.

Dridex malware

Dridex is a financial trojan with a range of capabilities. Affecting victims since 2014, it infects computers

though phishing emails or existing malware. Capable of stealing passwords, banking details and personal

data which can be used in fraudulent transactions, it has caused massive financial losses amounting to

hundreds of millions.

Romance scams

In February 2020, the FBI warned U.S. citizens to be aware of confidence fraud that cybercriminals
commit

using dating sites, chat rooms and apps. Perpetrators take advantage of people seeking new partners,

duping victims into giving away personal data.

Emotet malware

Emotet is a sophisticated trojan that can steal data and also load other malware. Emotet thrives on

unsophisticated password: a reminder of the importance of creating a secure password to guard against

cyber threats.

Classification of Computer Crimes

1. Financial fraud crimes - Defines as an intentional act of deception involving financial transactions for

purpose of personal gain.

2. Internet fraud – trying to trick or scam someone else using internet.

3.Computer fraud – is any dishonest misrepresentation of fact intended to let another to do or refrain
from

doing something which causes loss.

4.Bank fraud – is the use of potentially illegal means to obtain money, assets or other property owned or

held by a financial institution or to obtain money from depositors by fraudulently posing as a bank or
other

financial institution.

5.Carding – is a form of credit card fraud in which a stolen credit card is used to charge pre-paid cards.

6.Identity theft – also known as identity fraud, is a crime in which as imposter obtains key pieces of

personally identifiable information.

7.Extortion – is a criminal offense of obtaining money, property, or services from an individual or
institution

through coercion.