Cybercrime: dangers and disadvantages of the digital age

Cyber Crimes

The available and accessible features of 21st century make it hard for any individual to think about a life without technology. In real, the world has crossed several stages and eras devoid of the cyber world. Despite this truth, imagining life without technology is a difficult task today. This is because communication between countries of the two opposite poles has now become easy; it's merely like being in touch with the next door neighbor. The cyber world and the age of technology revolve around the idea of connecting with the world, inventions and scientific advancement. Although, a life without technology would be a nightmare because of the benefits it has brought to the world, the negative consequences attached with it actually make life more difficult.

The cyber world is an example of the technological progress. It is all about the virtual world where at many places, computer have replaced human labor. It has made the world computerized as it is being used from places like hospital to monitor patients to universities for their entry tests and grading policies. Similarly, it is not a way to gain access to the worldwide happenings and interact with people on the other end of the globe, but it has given mankind freedom to raise their voice, establish business relationships and regulate systems.

The cyber world is a distinctive feature of the modern world where it marks the progress and development of human race. Computers have brought a revolution. This is because of the transformations it has brought in the lives of every individual as it is seen to dictate and benefit the several different aspects of human life. The cyber world is seen to govern the corporate, government, military, scientific and every other sector of the society. Hence, it has become the need of time. This need is merely attributed to the achievements of technology; the quick pace, ease and ability to make things happen with a single click.

As a matter of fact, mentioning the advantages that technology and computers have brought for the world, would require closer analysis of each and every corner of the globe and consequently become a tedious job. This is because of the impact that the cyber world has made on the lives of every individuals ranging from scientists to businessman, from doctors to a student. Despite these attributes that are closely associated with technology and computers, the apparently flawless cyber world comes with a number of eye opening and dangerous disadvantages. In this regard, basic facts such as the hazards of a nuclear bomb, X-ray and microwave ovens is no longer an alien concept for anyone. For this reason, this paper would rather lay greater emphasis on the cyber and technology crimes which is amongst one of the most dangerous discrepancy of the cyber world.

Cyber crime or computer related crime can be understood in three different ways; targeting or attacking a computer, considering computer as a weapon to commit a crime such as fraud or any other illegal activity and using computer to store information that is illegal or/and stolen. These crimes are always associated with the cyber world. This paper would look into some of the serious effects of the cyber and technology crime.

Problem

Internet Scam

Internet scam and fraud is one of the most popular consequences of the cyber world. Cyber crime is gradually becoming a social problem as it is targeting the masses. This is seen by the impact of internet advertising and how people are being fooled because of it. The boom of internet has opened a gateway for the scam artists who are using it for bogus promotions, lotteries and other opportunistic schemes which rather appear to be deceptive. The consumers are fooled through these scams and are often seen to share their financial details over the internet. As a result, these people often lose huge amount of money simply on the basis of attractive and affordable advertisements.

Identity Theft

Like internet fraud, identity theft is also the result of cyber crimes. Identity theft accounts for one of the fastest growing crimes in America as stated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Crime Prevention Council and several such agencies (Kimball V, 2007). The researcher expresses the issue of identity theft by saying that, "Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America, occurring when the criminal obtains confidential information from an individual or business and uses it to access private financial accounts. In today's world of information technology, many thieves prey on their victims via the Internet. The level of disclosure of personal information in many of today's information age transactions is what leaves so many individuals and businesses open to identity theft" (Kimball V, 2007).

Identity theft is basically all about gaining access of the personal and the confidential information about individuals and companies which is then used to open bank accounts, to get control over the finances, to pay utilities and set up several systems all in the name of the another individual or a company. Identity theft is a negative consequence of the cyber world which is automatically becoming a wide social problem. Identity theft is becoming easier because of the technological boom. In other words, the use of credit cards, ATMs and other online purchases are a key to the disclosure of personal information. Kimball (2007) also proposes almost 10 million such cases who have become a victim of identity theft in 2005 in U.S.

Research: Theories and Statistics

In a similar manner, on the perspective of identity theft, cyber crime is also associated with phishing. This is the way in which personal information which comes under the control of the spammer who with the help of bulk emails tend to persuade individuals to give out their personal details. This process is faster than the usual scam emails. It takes approximately 14 hours to get hold of the personal information. For this reason, phishing is a serious criminal activity and a social problem because of the number of hazards which are attached to it (Mindlin, 2005). In real, the personal information can be gained in a number of ways; by imitating or taking up the identity of a well-known company and circulating emails from that specific name, or simply via the spoofed websites.

In addition to the usage of this information for personal gains and financial benefits, such details are often sold. This again adds into the risk for the users of the cyber world. Despite the efforts put in to enforce laws and other regulations to control such criminal activities, phishing cannot be stopped. The personal information obtained through different means is sold on the internet which attracts several buyers like companies, traders and more. Moreover, the traders are eventually rated on the quality of the stolen information. The cycle keeps on proceeding when the buyers continue to send such malicious emails to these individuals (Zeller, 2005).

Furthermore, pharming is an extension to the concept of phishing where the computers are secretly installed with a malicious virus or software. Consequently, a website might appear to be legitimate but would actually be bogus. The user would enter his personal details on this website considering it to be authentic. In this way, his information would strike the hands of the scammer. Hence, phishing and pharming are a serious threat to the masses and is eventually growing and enlarging as a social problem. These procedures of identity theft taking place because of the cyber crimes automatically forces the executives to look into the ways to protect their company and the privacy of their employees. It exposes them to the dangers associated with the use of the internet. Consequently, failing to enact the proper required security measures would actually make their companies to run out of the business (Mitchell, 2005). Cyber crime automatically infects the setups of big organizations. Not only this, the company might also lose customers because of the hazards of the cyber world. This is because if customers find it unsafe to use the internet, they will automatically spend less on the products that they used to purchase online. Furthermore, the threat to the security of their personal information would also make them minimize the use of the internet. If the security issue of a business is publicized, it will automatically lose its customer risking the growth and progress of the company (Mitchell, 2005).

As a matter of fact, the internet is a gateway to a revolutionized world where communication is at peak. The cyber world has automatically reduced the distance created by time and space. In other words, forming online relationships and then becoming a victim of this socialization, is an ugly truth of the cyber world. In this regard, another common by product of cyber crimes is cyber abuse. This is seen to exist in a number of forms like cyber bullying, stalking, sexual abuse, pornography and more. Research suggests that the greatest victim of this crime is the youth. Studies show the increase in the number of cases victimized because of cyber stalking from 6% seen in 2000 to 9% in 2005. Amongst them, the most vulnerable age group is that of the youth. This is verified by the substantial percentage of approximately 34% who were found to have reported to become subject to involuntary online sexual abuse Experience of cyber stalking increased, to 9% of youths in 2005 from 6% in 2000 (Wolak et al., 2006). This is a sensitive matter which needs direct attention of the law enforcers in order to secure the youth.

Problem

Cyber Bullying

Cyber bullying in common language is understood as a voluntary action to harm another person via the use of electronic communication; either through a computer or a cell phone. It is a result of cyber crime and has serious consequences attached with it. Cyber bullying is a form of harassment which is either in the form of physical abuse, or can also be done via the use of forums and public platforms.

Research: Theories and Statistics

Despite the number of ways through which it is implemented, it comes with many psychological and physical threats for everyone; especially the youth. According to Hinduja S. (2005), cyber bullying is a source of stress and tension for the victims who often go astray and take the deviant path as a coping strategy. Moreover, children would also feel threatened offline because of the harassment they are facing online. In this way, they would not only be pre-occupied with the tension but would also take preventive measures in order to keep away from whatever they are experiencing. This would automatically negatively impact their academic performance, relationships and their behavior in different aspects. Hence, cyber bullying has far reaching damaging consequences which can ruin the complete personality of the victim.

The treacherous impact of cyber bullying can be assessed by the facts stated by researchers. In this regard, Lepkowska (2007) brings in notice the increase in female victimization that can be completely attributed to cyber bullying. He says that an increase from 14.5% in 2002 to approximately 20.6% in 2006 is seen to exist. Cyber bullying is considered as one of the most famous ways to intimidate and threaten people where individuals especially teenagers and children who have been the victim are frequently seen with the symptoms of fright, sleeping and eating difficulties. Moreover, cyber bullying also results in individuals being socially withdrawn and engaging in several deviant behaviors. This is usually done via MSN Messenger, the social networking websites, and other areas of the cyber world. Hence, these results and behavioral damage show the extent to which this result of cyber crime is harmful for the society.

Solutions

Intelligence, scrutiny and precaution are some of the ways that every individual must possess and thereby implement in the cyber world in order to be safe from the disruptive effect of the cyber and technology crimes.

The foremost way to be secure from internet scam and fraud is to realize the reality of the virtual world and understand the rule that the cyber world contains people who are not what they actually seem to be. Their motives and goals can neither be easily distinguished nor guessed. In every such situation, individuals must be cautious in order to save themselves from risking their money, health and thus the complete self. It is important to be aware of the ways in which cyber crimes pervade over the internet. For this reason, people are required not to reply to the junk or bulk emails and never share their personal and financial information over the internet. In a similar manner, everyone must not judge or be intrigued by the flashy opportunities of a website or an email thread. A person must be educated regarding these safety measures so that he deals with such scams in a smart manner. In addition to the list of precautions essential for every man to incorporate in the use of the cyber world, elders including the teachers and parents must educate their children about the ways in which they can become a victim of cyber crime. They must be strictly and openly told about the hazards attached with disclosing personal details and getting into sexual activities over the internet. Close surveillance at the part of the elders is also necessary in order to secure the child from the faults of the cyber world.

Hence, the above mentioned problems are only some of the cyber crimes. In other words, the cyber world is full of danger and risks. As a result, it is not only a symbol of progress and development of a society but it threatens people at large. In this way, it grows to become a social dilemma. Hence, while examining the progress of cyber crimes, it is important to lay great emphasis as to who is accountable in resolving this issue and the harm it causes. One measure that could control the consequences of cyber crimes such as phishing and pharming could be the role of the companies themselves who might be a victim of the cyber world. The company should rely on its own security measures and must be itself responsible for paying off the losses that would have occurred. In addition, the company would itself be responsible and would acquire all the monetary losses in case if it is sued because of failing to secure the system and its privacy (Yang D. 2006).

Another measure that can be taken to counter the act of phising and pharming is one taken up by the banks. The corporate sector is at a high risk to get affected by the cyber crimes. This is noted in the following words: "Not surprisingly, the most spoofed sites are in the financial sector, with 92% of recorded phishing and pharming attempts targeting banks and other financial institutions" (Malone 2006). For this reason, business organizations must incorporate strict preventive measures to safeguard their privacy. One way to do it is the idea of frequently updating or changing their domain names. In a similar manner, they can also implement the method of declining the authorization by verifying a card; the card verification value and also the card verification code. In this way, any doubt or suspicion regarding the use of the card can automatically block it for a temporary time period (Garrett, 2005). This will be of a great benefit for the customer and autmotically for the bank who would succeed in safeguarding not only the personal details of the customer but also maintiian his financial status.

Apart from the counter measures being taken by the companies and other institutions, consumer awareness regarding the hazards of the cyber world is also necessary. For this purpose, a preventive step taken by the Bank of America is eye opening for other institutes. This is because of the fact that it used the SiteKey which enables the customers to distinguish whether they are on the actual, legitimate website or not. In addition, the bank has also implemented the use of digital image system where the customer is required to choose his respective personal image that appears everytime he logs onto the website. The absence of the image would tell him that it is a fake website. In this way, his personal information would be secured and he would be protected from the evils of phishing and pharming (Hicks, 2005).

The above effect of the cyber world show how threatening the internet is. In real, the youth is the most vulnerable to these threats. For this reason, a number of steps are required to be implemented and parents, teachers and guardians can help protect children from becoming a victim of the cyber crimes. According to Miller (2005) some basic steps can help provide cyber safety. These include changing the default security settings, setting up a frewall system, installing anti-virus Software and other such measures which would definitely protect the child from being a victim (Miller, 2005).

Furthermore, the results generated from the Youth Internet Saftey survey shows improvement in the trends of victimization. This is a positive step towards resolving the problem rising from the cyber world. Regulating prevention messages have produced drastic results whereby which the youth has minimized their online interaction with strangers. As a result, they receive lesser number of unwanted sexual solicitations (Mitchell K, 2006).

Another important step toward the cyber safety of the youth is making them aware about the sexual activities that take place via the internet. This topic should be dealt maturely and frankly where the youth must be made aware of the risks associated with getting involved into sexual activities over the internet and accessing X-rated websites. They must also be informed about the hazards of having sex chat with strangers and going against the law. This would harm their sexual development and their concept of sexual activities (Carnes, 2003).

Apart from the basic steps of taking preventive measures and spreading awareness, law enforcement plays a significant role in resolving the social problems which exist because of the cyber crimes. In this regard, the government has an important role to play. For instance, the approach adopted by the Australian law is satisfactory. Apart from formulating a proper Cybercrime Act, it incorporates strategiac partnership between police and the industry to work together to combat cyber crime. Similarly, the law also focuses on educating the masses regarding the crimes occurring and the way to resolve them. The Australian Government is continuously working on broadening its capacity to deal with the cyber crime. Some of the ways of doing this is by establishing a system known as Crimtrac which aims at maintaining databases such as the fingerprint identification system (Clark E. 2010).

Despite the common belief about the negligence in enforcing the law, solving the cyber crimes are successfully taking place. This is evident from the efforts of Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) which aims at punishing the offenders. The work of IC3 and the law enforcement agencies is clear through their approach to solve the social problems associated with cyber crimes. One such example is of wire transfer fraud. Almost 1000 complaints regarding the loss of $3 million were reported. The IC3 look into the matter and the state scrutinized more than 100 surveillence cameras. Although the case is still in process, the efforts put in by the state and the IC3 could not be ignored. (Internet Crime Complaint Center, 2011)

Hence, there is a dire need to properly and completely enact the laws which aim at putting an end to the cyber crimes. The major fault lies in the fact that these laws aren't always properly enforced; many times because of the limited jurisdiction. Despite this difficulty, efforts are being continuously put in. As a result, in all such cases it is the repsonsibilty of the indivudals and the organizations to immediately notify about any attacks as this is amongst the easiest ways to control cyber crimes (Britt, 2005).

Conclusion

There was a time when several kilometers were covered in months, when manual labor was the only option to complete tasks and when communicating with friends across borders was a nightmare. It was an era where time was slow and every job required human labor. Gradually, such prolonged circumstances changed and took a new form. This transformation could completely be accredited to technology and the scientific advancement which marks the progress of the modern era where the world currently stands. The advent of technology and thereby the growth of the cyber world has eventually become the distinguishing characteristic of the current age where every second is another towards development and progress.

The age of technology and the cyber world comes with a long list of advantages that have attracted the complete population of the world. This can be seen by the desire to access computers and use cell phones. The cyber world is attractive because of its fast pace, easy-to-use interface and the interactive platform that it has set up for everyone. Computer being the essence of technology has become the most important unit of every institute and is often seen to govern the life of almost every individual. It has made communication, business and relationship to be at ease. It has laid a platform of the freedom and awareness for the mankind. Despite these benefits, the cyber world has a dark side which is no longer hidden from anyone. However, it is only the smart, cautious, educated and intelligent man who saves himself from this faulty face.

In this regard, this paper examines the effects of cyber crimes and the manner in which they grow to become a social problem. If these problems are left unaddressed, the world will continue to suffer at a higher rate than before. Internet fraud, cyber bullying, pornography, identity theft are some of the cyber crimes that have been focused in this paper. In real, the cyber world is full of hazards that negatively impact the society. This is because of the fact that it leaves a disastrous mark on the financial situation, psychological condition and the overall well being of a person who unfortunately becomes a victim of these crimes.

Hence, in order to reduce and control the cyber crimes, strict laws must be implemented by the government and other law enforcing societies. Apart from these measures being taken at the upper level, individuals must be aware of the risk that the cyber world poses. Since the youth is more prone to become affected by these crimes, it is important to educate them regarding the possible risks that are existent while they use the internet. Thus, it is not only the duty of the state, the society and the elders to protect people around them, but it is the responsibility of every individual to secure himself from the hazards of the cyber world. In this manner, they can have the maximum benefit from the cyber world without being a victim of the cyber crimes that go hand in hand with it.