Computer crime

Abstract

Our perception is risk shaped along traditional lines. For most of us, the risks that can relate to are those that have been with us for many years: fire, flood, accidental damage, theft, fraud and embezzelement.The development of computer technology has introduced a new range of risks, and a new set of vulnerabilities. The value of the hardware is now immaterial compared with the potential costs that could arise out of it's failure or misuse. Of equal Importance to the natural perils are the man-made risks, whether they be maliciously or accidentally motivated. Our priorities have been slow to reflect these changes. Insurance covers, risk management thinking and management strategy invariable reflect the computer technology of the 1970's.To explore this further I will examine the implications for computer crime risks of the development of computer technology and its application. I will review some of the new types of losses being experienced, and draw conclusions on the risk characteristics of the new technology.