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Categories of Computer Crime

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Categories of Computer Crime
Nick George
CIS 170
October 21, 2013

Categories of Computer Crime

Cybercriminals commit identity theft by hacking into people’s personal financial accounts and stealing their funds. Some hackers use website databases to obtain social security numbers, birth dates, security questions and other information they need to fill out applications for credit cards or loans in another person’s name. About five years ago, Wachovia had an incident where someone had hacked into their database and took thousands of customers’ personal information. Immediately, the bank contacted their customers, closed each account and gave each customer temporary accounts, until they got the situation under control. Computer trespass is when a hacker gains an access to a person’s computer by convincing them to download a file. Walgreens has had many encounters with hackers, who would send each store a file and request that they open it for an upgrade from the IT department. Spam emails are another way hackers use to gain access to people computers. The emails can contain worms, Trojans, and viruses, which if a person opens up the email or download the file, the hacker can gain to the person’s file and any information they put on websites. Cyber bullying is a way a person can impersonate themselves, so they can harass or even commits fraud by using someone else’s identity. Cyber bullying is a serious issue, because we have so many social networks and many people have committed suicide due to being bullied. Identity fraud is overall the greatest threat, because the person doesn’t need to physical break into your home to obtain your personal information. The person could be tapping into your computer or even your phone calls and gain access to your funds. Some criminals look through garbage to find documents with social security numbers, birth dates, credit card information and any other information they need to steal someone’s identity.

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