Computer Security and Computer Crime

Computer Security

The security applied to computing devices such as computers and smartphones, as well as computer

networks such as private and public networks, including the whole Internet is called as Computer

Security

It includes physical security to prevent theft of equipment and information security to protect the data

on that equipment. It is sometimes referred to as "Cyber Security" or "IT security".

Cybersecurity is the process of applying security measures to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and

availability of data.

Computer Threats

A threat is a possible danger that might exploit a vulnerability to breach security and thus cause

possible harm.

It can be either "intentional" (i.e., intelligent; e.g., an individual cracker or a criminal organization) or

"accidental" (e.g., the possibility of a computer malfunctioning, or the possibility of a natural disaster

such as an earthquake, a fire, or a tornado) or otherwise a circumstance, capability, action, or event.

 Computer Crime

Computer crime refers to any crime that involves a computer and a network. Net crime refers to

criminal exploitation of the Internet.

Cybercrimes are defined as: "Offences that are committed against individuals or groups of

individuals with a criminal motive to intentionally harm the reputation of the victim or cause

physical or mental harm to the victim directly or indirectly, using modern telecommunication

networks such as Internet (Chat rooms, emails, notice boards and groups) and mobile phones

(SMS/MMS)".

Such crimes may threaten a nation’s security and financial health. Issues surrounding this type of

crime has become high-profile, particularly those surrounding cracking, copyright infringement, child

pornography, and child grooming. There are also problems of privacy when confidential information

is lost or intercepted, lawfully or otherwise.

Topology of computer crime

Computer crime encompasses a broad range of activities. Generally, however, it may be divided into

two categories: (1) crimes that target computers directly; (2) crimes facilitated by computer networks

or devices, the primary target of which is independent of the computer network or device.

 1. Crimes that primarily target computer networks or devices include: Computer viruses,

Denial-of-service attacks, Malware (malicious code)

2. Crimes that use computer networks or devices to advance other ends include: Cyberstalking, Fraud and identity theft, Information warfare, Phishing scams

Cyber Terrorism

Cyber terrorism in general, can be defined as an act of terrorism committed through the use of

cyberspace or computer resources. As such, a simple propaganda in the Internet, that there will be

bomb attacks during the holidays can be considered cyber-terrorism.