Putting Hacker Crime in Perspective

Abstract

Arthur C. Clarke once said that advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. It is no wonder, then, that the news media find computer crime to be a particularly appealing topic, at both a human and a technological level. Computer crimes committed by hackers are perhaps even more fascinating, because they combine several elements: an intimidating advanced technology coupled with a youthful, if criminal, sense of adventure. In such a charged environment, reports of hacker crimes are often exaggerated and distorted in an attempt to arouse readers' interest. For those of us who must defend against computer crime, such publicity generates both positive and negative consequences. Dramatic news reports of computer crime may spur corporate management to support increased security. However, these exaggerated reports may also deceive them as to the true nature and severity of the problem. Such reports also probably benefit the insurance business, because they create a perception of risk that is probably much greater than the actual risk.