Chapter – 6 [Security, Copyright laws]- Notes

Q. What is a computer crime? Explain its types.

Computer Crime

Any crime committed using computer technology and networks are referred to as computer crime or cybercrime. Undoubtedly a criminal offense, cybercrime is sanctioned by the law. Cybercriminals create various plans and programs to attack computers and systems. There are several types of computer-related crimes. Some of them are:

• Software Piracy
• Theft of hardware
• Cyberterrorism
• Theft of time and services
• Hacking and electronic trespassing
• Computer viruses
• Cyberbullying

• Fraud

Software Piracy

Software piracy is the illegal duplication of copyrighted software. The biggest issue affecting the computer industry is software piracy. Many people are not aware that copying software is a violation of Pakistan’s criminal laws which protect intellectual property. This is a crime as it goes against copyright law. 

Theft of Hardware

Computer hardware is a valuable item that people can steal and resell. Nowadays the size of microcomputers has become smaller as compared to the olden days so it is easier to steal them. Laptops, mobile phones, tablets, etc. are at a high risk as compared to large-size computers.

Cyberterrorism

A terrorist act that utilises the internet or computer resources is known as cyberterrorism. A cyberterrorist is someone who threatens a government or an organization to attack computers, or networks or steal information stored on them. Cyberterrorism requires highly skilled persons to carry out the attack. Pakistan’s government has also taken steps to control this threat. National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) is working on a joint program with different NGOs and other cyber security agencies in Pakistan to fight against this problem.

Theft of Time and Services

Theft of time and services means when people use computers to play games or use other software in the time that they are meant to work for their employer. Some people do their own work such as business the time that should do the work of their employer. This is very common but people do not realize that this is also a crime.

Hacking and electronic trespassing

Hacking involves the partial or complete acquisition of certain functions within a system, network, or website. It also aims to access important data and information, breaching privacy. Most “hackers” attack corporate and government accounts. There are different types of hacking methods and procedures.

Computer Viruses

A computer virus is a program designed to change or destroy the data stored on a computer system. Computer viruses can be passed from one computer to another on floppy disks, over networks, and over remote modem connections. There are several types of viruses that spread in a computer and pose a threat to important data files.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is when someone, typically a teen, bullies or harasses others on the internet, particularly on social media sites. Harmful bullying behavior can include posting rumors, threats, indecent remarks, a victim’s personal information, or hate speech. Victims may experience lower self-esteem, increased suicidal ideation, and a variety of negative emotional responses, including being scared, frustrated, angry, and depressed.

Fraud

Computer fraud is the act of using a computer to take or alter electronic data, or to gain unlawful use of a computer or system.

Q. What is Security? Discuss its different approaches or how the security is maintained on a computer.

Security:

• It is a system of safeguards designed to protect a computer system and data from intentional and accidental damage or access by unauthorized persons.
• A computer system must be protected from unauthorized persons. Different methods have been planned to give access to authorized persons. For this purpose, there are four approaches.

What you have:

You may have a key, token, or card to give you physical access to the server room or computer building.

What you know:

IDs and Passwords are given to users to access the computers.

What you do:

Authorized users put their signatures on the documents to confirm their authority.

What you are:

Some security measures are biometrics-biological means of identification e.g. fingerprints, voice recognition, eye retina, etc.

Q. What do you mean by computer malware? Explain its types.

Malware

Malware or malicious software is any software designed to cause damage to a computer, server, or network. It does the damage by attaching itself to the computers and can take the form of executable code. Malware can be divided into several categories.

Computer Viruses

A computer virus is a program designed to change or destroy the data stored on a computer system by copying itself to the files. Computer viruses can be passed from one computer to another on USB flash drives, hard disks, over networks, emails, and over the Internet. Viruses can spread easily and may damage files and software, including the operating system. Viruses cause billions of dollars worth of economic damage each year.

Worm

A computer worm is a program whose purpose is to copy or duplicate itself. An effective worm will fill an entire disk with copies of itself and it can spread to multiple computers on a network, infecting the entire system with copies. Often, it uses a computer network to spread itself, relying on security failures on the computer. Worms almost always cause at least some harm to the network, whereas viruses almost always corrupt or modify files on a targeted computer.

Trojan Horse 

A Trojan horse refers to illegal instructions placed in the middle of a useful program. It is a type of virus that is often disguised as useful software or a game that users will find appealing.

Ransomware

Ransom malware, or ransomware, is a type of malware that prevents users from accessing their system or personal files and demands a ransom payment in order to regain access. There are several different ways that ransomware can infect your computer. One of the most common methods today is through malicious spam, or mail spam, which is an unsolicited email that is used to deliver malware.

Spyware

it is unwanted software that gains access to your computing device, steals your internet usage data and sensitive information, and gains access to or damages your computer, often without your knowledge. Spyware gathers your personal information and spreads it to advertisers, data firms, or external users.

Spyware is used for many purposes. Usually, it aims to track and sell your internet usage data, capture your credit card or bank account information, or steal your personal identity. Spyware monitors your internet activity, tracking your login and password information, and spying on your sensitive information. Some types of spyware can install additional software and change the settings on your device, so it’s essential to use secure passwords and keep your devices updated.

Adware

Adware is unwanted software designed to show advertisements on your screen, most often within a web browser. It generates revenue for its developer by automatically generating online advertisements in the user interface of the software or on a screen presented to the user during the installation process. The software may generate two types of revenue: one is for the display of the advertisement and another on a “pay-per-click” basis if the user clicks on the advertisement. Some advertisements also act as spyware.

Scareware

itis malicious software that tricks computer users into visiting malware-infested websites. Scareware may come in the form of pop-ups. These appear as legitimate warnings from antivirus software companies, and they claim your computer’s files have been infected. They are so cleverly done that users are frightened into paying a fee to quickly purchase software that will fix the so-called problem. What they end up downloading, however, is fake antivirus software that is actually malware intended to steal the victim’s personal data.