Cyber crime can be defined simply as crime that is committed using the Internet. Three types of cyber crime exist and these include crimes against property, persons or government. Under these three types of cyber crime are dozens of subcategories. All types of this form of crime have solutions, however none of these solutions are completely foolproof.
Child pornography is a growing form of cyber crime and it is considered a cyber crime against persons. According to Crime Research, child pornography involves distributing, trafficking, dissemination and posting any child-related obscene material. When executing this cyber crime, offenders will post obscene photos and videos of children and underage teenagers. They will provide these for free or charge a subscription fee to those who sign up for their websites. Law enforcement agencies are trying to combat this cyber crime by working undercover online, often acting as children or as a person interested in viewing or purchasing child pornography. The FBI has a special unit based in Maryland called the Innocent Images National Initiative dedicated to combating child pornography online.
A major cyber crime that affects us today is viruses and they are considered a cyber crime against persons. Viruses are sent to other people's computers to gain access to their personal information and to eventually destroy their hard drive. One of the most popular and devastating viruses in recent times was the "Melissa Virus." This virus began to infect computers in March of 1999 and it spread quickly. According to Crime Research, the Melissa Virus infected 1.2 million computers in the United States and the damage it caused cost more than 80 million dollars to fix. To combat viruses, companies and individuals can purchase anti-virus software for their computer, avoid downloading anything unless they know the source is completely safe and not open emails from anyone they do not know.
Cyber harassment comes in many forms and is considered a cyber crime against persons. It can be sexual, religious or racial. It also can involve violating the privacy of another person by using the Internet. To combat cyber harassment, individuals should report all suspected cases to their local law enforcement agency. Law enforcement agencies will take the proper measures to identify the harasser and may choose to prosecute them.
Terrorism is considered a cyber crime against government. This type of cyber crime can involve using the Internet to communicate with other terrorists, to transfer money needed to fund a terrorist act or any other related activity. To combat this type of cyber crime, law enforcement agencies, particularly the FBI, have special units. The FBI has a special unit called the Cyber Division that deals specifically with cyber terrorism.
According to Crime Research, cracking includes damaging computer source codes, publishing false digital signatures, hacking, breach of confidentiality and publishing prurient or lascivious electronic information. It can be either a cyber crime against persons or government. These criminals often steal information and then plant a virus to destroy the computer. Cracking can be difficult to solve, but any suspected cracking crimes should be discussed with a local law enforcement agency. If they do not have the man power to pursue the offender, the FBI may decide to pursue it.