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.”

Hacking and Cracking

Are crackers pranksters or criminals?

If no one is physically hurt does that make computer eavesdropping right/OK?

When crackers violate society’s codes, should they be held less responsible than their street-wise counterparts?

Aren’t the crimes the same?