Computer Crime indicators crime involving a computer. The computer can be used to commit a crime or it may be targeted. Net-crime refers to the criminal use of the Internet. Cyber-crime is actually a combination of these two elements and can be best defined as “offenses committed against persons or groups of persons with criminal motive to intentionally damage the reputation of the victim or cause physical or psychological harm to the victim directly or indirectly by using modern telecommunication networks such as the Internet (chat, e-mail, take the boards and groups) and mobile (SMS / MMS). ” [1]

In the most simple way, the cyber-criminal activities can be defined as any illegal activity that uses your computer as a primary way of her work. The US Department of Justice widens this definition to include any illegal activity that uses a computer for storage of data. The term “Cyber-crime” can refer to offenses including crime against data, the fraction of material and copyright, fraud, unauthorized access, child pornography and cyber-stalking.

UN manual on the prevention and control of computer related Crime includes fraud, forgery and unauthorized access in the definition of cyber-crime. Cyber-crime in force covers a wide range of attacks on individuals and organizations alike. These crimes can range from emotional or financial position of the individual in the security of the nation.

There are two major categories that define the make-up of cyber-crimes. First, the target computer networks or devices such as viruses, malware, or denial of service attacks. The second category related crimes are easier computer networks or devices such as cyber-stalking, fraud, identity theft, extortion, phishing (spam) and theft of classified information.

To illustrate the extent of cyber-crime globally, the Norton Cyber-crime Report 2011 light 431 million adults in 24 countries have been victims of “cyber-crime that year. Computer based crime is increasing at an alarming rate. The report Norton calculated the financial costs of international cyber-crime at $ 388 billion. This is more than the combined global market for marijuana, heroin and cocaine, estimated at $ 288 billion. Based on the current growth of its ongoing , cyber-crime will soon bear all the world’s drug market is estimated to be worth $ 411 billion a year.

Cyber-crime has expanded to include activities across international borders and can now be considered a global epidemic . The international legal system ensures Cyber ​​criminals are held accountable in the International Criminal Court. Law enforcement agencies are faced with unique challenges and anonymity on the Internet complicates the only issue. There are problems with collecting data, the jurisdiction issues and miscommunication related reporting.

It is widely known that victims of Internet crimes are often reluctant to report crime to the authorities. In some cases, the person or organization may not even be aware a crime has been committed. Even if the facilities for reporting incidents of cyber-crime has improved in recent years, many victims remain reluctant due primarily to problems.

International cooperation is essential if an effective response is to find an international cyber-crime. No nation can expect to effectively fight the case alone. Many computer based crimes are initiated ‘Off-Shore’ and creates enormous challenges for some countries law enforcement agencies. It is important that organizations worldwide develop actionable strategies to identify, to pursue, arrest and prosecute cyber criminals.

For example, in the past two years, Australia has adopted the National Criminal Intelligence Fusion Capability, a key element of the Commonwealth Organised Crime Strategic Framework (COCSF). This body brings together the expertise, data and technology in various government and law enforcement agencies and makes international cooperation.

The problem of cyber-crime seems almost immeasurable size. Looking at recent trends and advances in mobile technology and cloud computing to realize it is continually evolving and ever-changing dynamic. There is mounting evidence of global newborn partnership between government and private sector aimed to prevent. These partnerships create opportunities to exchange information and strengthen the response of law enforcement organized Internet-based crime.

This exchange of information creates concerns in its self. It is very complex and sensitive issue. A balance must be found advantageous maximize the dissemination of information and protect it from organized cyber-criminal element.

Cyber-crime includes such broad scope of the crime business. The examples mentioned above are only a few of the thousands of varieties of illegal activity generally classified as cyber-crime. Computers and the Internet has improved our lives in many ways, unfortunately criminals now make use of this technology at the expense of society.

[1] Halder, D., & Jaishankar, K. (2011) Cyber ​​crime and harassment of women: Laws, rights and regulations. Hershey PA, USA: IGI Global. ISBN: 978-1-60960-830-9