1: Evolution of Computing and Cybercrime Definitions

computer (physical)

a device that we use (e.g., laptop, desktop, cell phone)

computer (electronic)

device that can store, retrieve, and process data

software

any set of instructions that tell a computer what to do, comprises the entire set of programs, procedures, and routines associated with the operation of a computer system

hardware

the actual physical device; made up of external and internal components

external components

laptop, monitor, keyboard

internal components

CPU or processor, video card

network

a group of two or more connected computers

packet

small segment of a larger message; data sent over computer networks is divided into packets, which care recombined by the computer or device that receives them.

packet switching

refers to the ability of networking equipment to process packets independently from each other; also means that packets can take different network paths to the same destination, as long as they arrive

packet header

a label which provides information about the packet’s contents, origin, and destination

protocol

standardized way of formatting data so any computer can interpret data

internet protocol (IP) address

a series of numbers that identifies any device on a network

computer supported crimes

computer not central to the crime but may contain evidence of the crime (e.g., addresses found in computer of murder suspect)

computer facilitated crime

computer is a tool used to commit the crime (e.g., child exploitation material, fraud)

computer crimes

the computer or the target network is the attack (e.g., hacking, malware, DDoS)

technology as target

criminal offences targeting computers and other information technologies

technology as instrument

internet and information technologies are instrumental in the commission of crime

routine activities theory (RAT)

for a crime to occur, three things must come together in both time and space: a likely offender, a suitable target, the absence of a capable guardian to prevent the crime