Computer crime comes in many different varieties. As new computer technologies are made available, there is sure to be someone lurking in the cyber-shadows who are ready to exploit, test or take advantage of security holes that may exist. Computer crime has become the most widespread criminal activity in the world. But what motivates someone to attempt or commit computer crimes?
1. Easy of Anonymity. It is much easier to get away with criminal activity in a cyber world than in the real world. There is a strong sense of anonymity than can draw otherwise respectable citizens to abandon their ethics in pursuit personal gain.
2. Inadequate Legal Jurisdiction. Computer networks literally span the entire globe. This makes it virtually impossible for any government to enact or enforce laws when computer criminals are set up in foreign countries.
3. New Technology. Many computer criminals use their computers merely as a logical extension of “traditional” crimes that can take advantage of computer technology to help facilitate or carry out crime. For example, automated software can be programmed to steal credit-card numbers, personal-identification information and even cell-phone codes.
4. Holding a Grudge. Malicious computer codes like worms and viruses are often spread by someone who is seeking to cause harm to an individual or company-possibly over losing a job, perceived unethical business conduct or maybe even jealousy or envy. Such parties intend to destroy or cripple their targets for the personal satisfaction of seeing them suffer the effects.
5. Thrill of the Game. For many computer criminals, the excitement and challenge of exploiting a computer system can be too great to resist.
6. Opportunistic crime. Individuals who spend a significant amount of time on their computer have many opportunities to commit crimes. These people may have never known that these criminal prospects exist before, but, by spending increased amount of time on the Internet, have come to see a whole variety of opportunities laid out in front of them.
What do you think? Would you like to add something to this list?
Read more: Why Do People Commit Computer Crimes? eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_4709031_do-people-commit-computer-crimes.html#ixzz1GWkxpSR3