Module 2.2: The dangers of computer crime
Social engineering The use of techniques and deception to manipulate someone into giving out confidential
information (password, account no.) or into giving criminals access to their computer/premises.
Used to manipulate them, install malware, other fraudulent purposes
Malware Any software written with negative intentions
Techniques and tools of cybercrime
Phishing Attempts to con the user into giving out personal + confidential details (PIN no, passwords) by
posing as a legitimate organisation, usually via email
Pharming Scamming practice where user is automatically redirected to another (fake) website even when
the user types a ‘valid’ URL in browser, criminal can use any data entered
Click-jacking An attack where a site appears to one thing but your clicks are redirected to do something else
Spoofing E-mail spoofing is the forgery of an e-mail header so that the e-mail appears to be from a
different origin (or person)
Spyware Technique / software that tries to monitor and track the way you use your computer and then
reports this info to a 3rd party.
Keylogger (Type of spyware) Records your keystrokes as you type (… movements of your mouse, screen-
shots of what’s displayed on screen) in an attempt to discover your usernames + passwords.
Computer virus Malware written to disrupt the normal functioning of a person’s computer w/o their
knowledge/consent
Used to turn your computer into a ‘bot’ to spread malware/ create security loopholes for
programs to exploit
Computer worm Malware that is able to distribute itself over a network (normally via e-mail) w/o a person
having run an infected program.
Trojan Destructive program disguised as a useful application; rely on you to activate them
(can delete files on computer, scan computer for personal info)
Ransomware Malware that encrypts data (making it unavailable) until you pay a ransom fee
Prevent: continually make backups of data
Adware Software that downloads onto your computer + bombards your computer with adverts that
pop-up whenever you are connected to the internet = nuisance, can be malicious
Bot / ‘zombie’ A computer that has been compromised (or infected) & can be controlled remotely when it is
on + connected to the internet
*Botnet = many bots working together to bombard internet services e.g. creating email
accounts
Categories of computer crime Categories
of
computer
crime
Harrass- Internet Computers
ment attacks + theft
processing date/
identity copyrighted
bandwidth time + intellectual money
material
theft
power property
Social engineering The use of techniques and deception to manipulate someone into giving out confidential
information (password, account no.) or into giving criminals access to their computer/premises.
Used to manipulate them, install malware, other fraudulent purposes
Malware Any software written with negative intentions
Techniques and tools of cybercrime
Phishing Attempts to con the user into giving out personal + confidential details (PIN no, passwords) by
posing as a legitimate organisation, usually via email
Pharming Scamming practice where user is automatically redirected to another (fake) website even when
the user types a ‘valid’ URL in browser, criminal can use any data entered
Click-jacking An attack where a site appears to one thing but your clicks are redirected to do something else
Spoofing E-mail spoofing is the forgery of an e-mail header so that the e-mail appears to be from a
different origin (or person)
Spyware Technique / software that tries to monitor and track the way you use your computer and then
reports this info to a 3rd party.
Keylogger (Type of spyware) Records your keystrokes as you type (… movements of your mouse, screen-
shots of what’s displayed on screen) in an attempt to discover your usernames + passwords.
Computer virus Malware written to disrupt the normal functioning of a person’s computer w/o their
knowledge/consent
Used to turn your computer into a ‘bot’ to spread malware/ create security loopholes for
programs to exploit
Computer worm Malware that is able to distribute itself over a network (normally via e-mail) w/o a person
having run an infected program.
Trojan Destructive program disguised as a useful application; rely on you to activate them
(can delete files on computer, scan computer for personal info)
Ransomware Malware that encrypts data (making it unavailable) until you pay a ransom fee
Prevent: continually make backups of data
Adware Software that downloads onto your computer + bombards your computer with adverts that
pop-up whenever you are connected to the internet = nuisance, can be malicious
Bot / ‘zombie’ A computer that has been compromised (or infected) & can be controlled remotely when it is
on + connected to the internet
*Botnet = many bots working together to bombard internet services e.g. creating email
accounts
Categories of computer crime Categories
of
computer
crime
Harrass- Internet Computers
ment attacks + theft
processing date/
identity copyrighted
bandwidth time + intellectual money
material
theft
power property
