Organized Crime and Computer Crime
Uploaded by jazzy321 on Oct 26, 2011
This paper explores the connection between organized crime and computer crime. 9 pages; 3 sources; MLA citation style.
I Introduction
Is there a connection between organized crime (the Mafia) and computer crime? The verdict still seems to be out on this question, but several sources suggest that there is a link; they also suggest the worst is yet to come.
This paper explores these assertions and tries to establish a connection between organized crime and computer crime.
II Discussion
In an article from TechWorldNews.com, Jack Germain sets out the parameters of the discussion:
“Internet security experts are divided on the source and purpose of computer viruses and worms like Blaster and SoBig. But some government agencies are investigating a possible connection between the increasing spread of infected computers and organized crime.” (Germain, PG).
There are two buzzwords here that illustrate the problem: “divided” and “possible.” In other words, the evidence proving that organized crime has taken an interest in computers, and is actively committing computer crime, is not conclusive. But Germain suggests the connection is strong enough to insure it is merely a matter of time until a connection is found.
According to Germain, computer experts worry that “malicious code buried in infected computers or released in new generations of worms” will allow organized crime to make targeted attacks against specific businesses and industries. (PG).
Germain quotes Michael Shema, who is a “widely recognized expert on Internet security.” (PG) Shema says that there is “considerable evidence” to support the link between computer viruses and organized crime, and he warns these are not far-fetched “conspiracy theories.” However, Shema is unable to predict who “might be behind it” [the spread of the viruses]. (PG).
Germain discusses the SoBig.E and SoBig.F worms, and explains that they were created to gain so-called “back door access to infected computers.” (PG). These worms, once in a computer, can remain hidden there, update and replicate themselves, and then launch a new attack. Most such attacks appear to be unwanted spam, at least at this point. But Germain suggests that spam, despite its annoyance factor, is not necessarily dangerous, though it is profitable. No one would be sending millions of spam messages each day unless it was making money. Still, the flood of unwanted messages about enhancing one’s sex life, losing weight and making money from home is not what worries experts. ...