6.5 Current Technologies

Perhaps the best way to finalize our exploration of how criminals engage and adapt computer and Internet technology is by discussing a couple of examples. The technologies discussed are only a very small sample of what is available to the cyber criminal. Of these technologies, only a few of the many criminal adaptations are illustrated.

6.5.1 A Computer Virus

A computer virus is a foreign program that is designed to enter a computer system with the purpose of executing one or more particular functions without the knowledge or consent of the system administrator. The function of a virus is specified by its creator. The criminal applications of viruses in the cyberverse are almost without limits. They are typically used to steal, broadcast, and/or destroy information (examples include computer files containing personal contact information, credit card numbers, and passwords).

A thief can program and disseminate a virus on a given network that is designed to locate and gather victim password information used in online banking.
A stalker can program and disseminate a virus to a particular victim's PC via anonymous personal e-mail designed to locate and gather sensitive personal information including address books, financial files, and digital images.
A terrorist can program and disseminate a virus on a particular network that is designed to delete or alter specific files essential to that network's function. In doing so, they can alter or disrupt that function.

6.5.2 A Public E-Mail Discussion List

Individuals may develop and maintain or join one of the many public e-mail discussion lists available via the Internet to share the details and experiences of their lives with others. They are also a way to meet and learn from people with similar experiences and interests. The content of an e-mail discussion list is dependent on the list topic, and the types of posts that are sent by subscribers. However, any e-mail discussion list represents a captive audience susceptible to individual and multiple broadcasts of information over that list.

A thief may use information (personal details elicited from text and photographs) gathered from a victim's posts on an e-mail discussion list to plan a burglary, targeting specific valuables in specific rooms.
An ex-intimate may join a discussion list to which their former intimate subscribes. Once subscribed, they may publicly harass and defame their former intimate with a mixture of true and false information. This can be accomplished by the distribution of explicit and/or invasive personal images, as well as the dissemination of false accusations of child abuse, sex crimes, or other criminal conduct.