Definition of a Computer Crime

A computer crime can also be called a "cyber crime."

As technology continues to advance, computer crimes increase in profile. Hacking, child pornography, fraud, invasion of privacy and copyright infringement are just a few risks associated with logging in.

FBI's Cyber Mission

According to their website, the FBI's cyber mission has four major responsibilities. They aim to stop the spread of malicious code, catch online sexual predators, counteract operations that target U.S. intellectual property, and dismantle Internet fraud. This statement alone reflects how dangerous the Internet can be in the modern day.

Cyberterrorism

A cyberterrorist is an individual or an organized group that threatens a government through computer based attacks. Since 2001, there has been a growing concern among officials that the increased number of cyber crimes are conducted by grouped cyberterrorists who are trying to destroy important systems.

Hollywood

Hollywood has released various films that often glamorize the lives of computer criminals. Some examples include the 1995 film "Hackers," as well as "The Italian Job," made in 2003.

Considerations

Due to the ample amount of freedom that is possible on the Internet, many websites can be offensive to certain individuals for various reasons. Since these websites may be illegal in some instances, it is important to be cautious.

Warning

If you have a child in a home with Internet access, a parental block device can help control what kind of content he or she is able to view. Censorship in this case can protect your child from computer crimes.

References

• Federal Bureau of Investigation: Cyber Investigations