computers and crime breaking and entering eavesdropping harassment vandalism destruction of private...
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Computers and Crime
Breaking and Entering Eavesdropping Harassment Vandalism Destruction of Private Property Possession of Stolen Goods Theft
Computers and CrimeWhen the property damaged, stolen, or
lost is electronic information, the “place” broken into is a computer, and
the perpetrators are often bright youngsters, the crimes appear to be taken much less seriously by society
BUT
Not by the Victims.
Kershner, Computer Literacy, Kendall Hunt
Hacking
Among computer professionals a person who “hacks” at a program is
investigating the computer system or a program to better understand it
and to get better performance So, in this context hacking is neither
unethical or illegal.
Kershner, Computer Literacy, Kendall Hunt
Hacking, Cracking & the Press Hacker – someone who illegally breaks into
computer systems. Professionals call this person a Cracker.
Someone who “cracks” open the computer system
Circumventing security procedures May not intend to do damage Electronic Vandals
Crackers (Hackers): Who are They?1. Computer-competent teens
Working from their bedrooms or dorm rooms Just “goofing” around
2. Not all are just for fun Industrial Espionage Disgruntled individuals ? Terrorists?
3. Malicious Individuals Angry former employees Criminals
Hackers and Crackers
Why do “kids” hack? Because they can Merely “looking around”
reading other people’s email is interesting No harm intended
The “thrill” of breaking in and breaching the electronic security of the system
Gain Knowledge?!?!?
Hacking and CrackingTo some it is a never ending, authentic, role-playing game with federal, state and local
authorities as the “bad guys!”
Hacking and Cracking At the least intrusive this is the electronic
equivalent of voyeurism The privacy of individuals and
organizations is being violated Frequently the non-intrusive intent
doesn’t quite work out and electronic property is destroyed.
Hacking and Victims
Privacy and Security violated Property lost or damaged Down time interrupts businesses Identity and Credit card theft
FEAR, ANGER, FRUSTRATION
Hacking and Society’s Response “No one has been hurt” “It’s the company’s fault for not having
better security” The “invaded” computer system
somehow benefits because security weaknesses have been uncovered
“They’re just kids goofing around!”
Hacking and Society
Ethical Dilemma: Is this morally wrong? Are these activities illegal?
What if anything should we do about this?
Hacking
Ponder this: What if it were surface mail and not email? What if the voyeurism were standing outside
your dorm room or your sister’s bedroom? What if the break-in where to your house or dorm
room and all those who entered did was leave you a note saying: “Ha-ha, I can get in any time!”
What if the stolen property was your car? Where sensitive information is involved, can we
afford to believe that nothing has been changed or compromised even by accident?
Hacking and Ethics
Individuals have the Right to expect their property and
privacy protected regardless of the form!
Hackers and Crackers Where to they hack?
Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute Los Alamos National Laboratory Credit Card Companies
Stolen card numbers Made purchasesIDENTITY THEFT
School Computers Changed grades Stolen exams
Hackers and Crackers Where do they hack?
Burglarized telephone company networks Stole services Accidentally moved satellite orbits disrupting
services Disrupted 911 service Stole Credit Card numbers and passwords
and posted them to bulletin boards for the “fun of it.”