Computer and Internet
There are no precise, reliable statistics on the amount of computer crime and the economic loss to victims, partly because many of these crimes are apparently not detected by victims, many of these crimes are never reported to authorities, and partly because the losses are often difficult to calculate. Internet fraud takes many forms. The Internet’s promise of substantial consumer benefits is coupled with the potential for fraud and deception. Fraud operators are opportunists who are among the first to appreciate the potential of a new technology. There is nothing new about Internet fraud, however, the size and potential market, relative ease, low cost, and speed with which a scam can be perpetrated has increased tremendously. Nevertheless, in this section we have posted some tips for avoiding Computer related Crime, which includes suggestions for increasing the security and reliability of personal computers, as well as protection against cybercrime.
Causes of Computer Crime
Sharing Identification numbers and password.
Unauthorised access from remote location (hacking).
Unauthorised access by non-authorised employee.
Security system by-passed.
Poor physical security.
Poor system security.
Abuse of legitimate access.
Viruses etc. or other willful damage by disgruntled employee or competitor.
Appropriate device security changes not taken when employees with access leave or are transferred.
Data files and listings not held under proper security.
Recommended Prevention Measures
Develop and Implement appropriate system failure procedures.
Shred computer listings after use.
Do not share Identification numbers and passwords.
Change passwords regularly.
Regularly monitor usage of dial-up facilities.
Implement a system of controlling employees with access to data.
Physical security of equipment and diskettes.
Hacking, Computerized Fraud And Other Computer Crimes
A “hacker” is a dedicated programming expert who believes in sharing his expertise and experiences with other hackers. A hacker does not believe in vandalizing or maliciously destroying data, or in stealing data of any kind. He may find your credit card number stored there from buying online, or use the information gleaned from your computer to use your ISP account for illegal activity, like distributing child pornography.
How can I stop hackers from gaining access to my computer?
Only download or accept files from reliable sources.
Use a firewall to block unauthorized access to your computer.
Install a good virus scanner program and update virus information files at least weekly.
Do not keep passwords, bank or financial account numbers, or other personal and confidential information on your computer’s hard drive. Store this type of information on removable disks (floppies or zip disks).
The Hijack
It is a relatively new form of fraud unique to the Internet. Consumers are prompted to download a purported “viewer program” to see computer images for free. Once downloaded, the consumer’s computer is “hijacked” by the viewer program, which turns off the consumer’s modem speakers, disconnects the computer from the local Internet provider, dials an international number and connects the consumer to a remote site. The expensive international costs are charged to the consumer’s telephone bill until the telephone is turned off.
Child Safety
Place the computer in a centrally located area in your home – not in a child’s bedroom. This prevents “secret” communications or access and also allows all members of the family to use it.
Talk to your children about the Internet. Explain that it is an excellent source of information, but some sites are inappropriate and they are expected to stay away from these sites.
Establish time frames for Internet access. This will encourage your children to obtain information in a timely manner and discourage aimless wandering.
Keep an open line of communication with your children.
Never respond to someone who wants to meet in person or send photographs. Instruct your children to exit the chat room and notify you immediately if this happens.
Discuss their Internet experiences and guide them to sites that are age-appropriate.
Consider using software that can block or filter Internet sites or certain words that may indicate inappropriate sites.
In a chat room never give out any personal information including: name, address, city, state, school attended, telephone number, family names or other personal family information.
Most importantly, if your child visits a particular chat room, spend at least five or ten minutes monitoring the conversation to see if it is appropriate.
Consider purchasing computer software products that can help you monitor and control your child’s access to the Internet.
Monitor your children’s Internet activity by checking all of the sites visited.
Viruses
Simply stated, a virus, Trojan or worm is a small program written to cause harm to one or more computers or networks. A Virus, Worm or Trojan can also be designed to retrieve information from your computer to be delivered to an attacker for future use. For example credit card information, passwords, and security access codes.
If You Have Any Of The Following Symptoms, Your Computer May Be Infected
Does your computer suddenly take longer to start up?
Do program sizes keep changing?
Do you keep running out of disk space?
Do you keep getting 32 bit error messages?
Your computer won’t boot up?
File names are strange or keep changing?
You can’t access your hard drive without booting from a floppy startup disk?
Your computers CMOS settings keep changing – and you have a new CMOS battery?
Your computer is sending out emails that you didn’t write?
Strange unexplained things are happening with your computer; e.g. the CD ROM opens and closes when no one is using the computer.
Monitor your children’s Internet activity by checking all of the sites visited.
How can I protect my computer against future infections?
Install and configure a good anti-virus program on your computer. Keep the virus definition files up to date. Anti-virus software programs can be configured to automatically check for new dat files (virus definitions) and your anti-virus program should be setup to do this at least weekly. Your anti-virus program should be configured to scan email, all files and folders, boot sectors and all removable disks (floppy and zip disks). If you receive an attachment or file via email, IRC, ICQ or removable disk, that attachment should be scanned for viruses before opening it.
Tips to keep you safe online
Never send money to an unsolicited e-mail or a posting you spotted on the Web.
Never agree to a meeting with someone who has posted a fabulous offer. In-person meetings give the con artist a chance to turn on high-pressure sales tactics or even rob you.
If you are setting up an online identity for e-mail, be very vague. Do not give out personal information in a profile.
Contact your ISP or local law enforcement if you receive suspicious or threatening e-mail.
Be alert for any responses to e-mail that you don’t believe you have sent.
Be alert to e-mail bearing a return address you recognize, but with content that does not match the personality of the sender.
Look carefully at message headers for discrepancies between sender and provider.
Acquire and use encryption software if you send e-mail containing confidential or sensitive information.
Web sites whose purposes are to commit fraud appear and disappear quickly, making it difficult for them to be tracked. If you find a suspicious Web site, print the screen and any correspondence. Present this information when filing a complaint with your ISP or Kolkata Police.