Cyber Crime 4-2

Getting Started

Hacking—originally the modification of a device or process to change its function or to fix a problem—originated in the 1960s. It was used to describe the activities of model train enthusiasts at MIT who discovered a way to modify the operation of a model train without re-engineering the entire device. It was not until the 1970s that the term became synonymous with malicious activity, specifically exploiting the public telephone system to make free telephone calls.

As cybercrime began to become more prevalent, criminologists have begun to try to understand the motivations of cybercriminals by applying existing criminological theories. While there are numerous theories that cybercrime can be twisted and contoured to fit into, some theories that lend themselves more easily to explaining cybercrime. These include Social Learning Theory, General Theory of Crime, Differential Association and Learning Theories, Routine Activity Theory, and most recently the Space Transition Theory. With the exception of the Space Transition Theory, these theories were originally formed to explain more traditional criminal activity.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Analyze criminological theories to determine how well they explain why people commit cybercrimes.

· Examine how federal law enforcement strategies have an impact on the commission of cybercrimes.

Resources

· Textbook: Cybercrime and Digital Forensics: An Introduction

· Website: APA Style CENTRAL

Background Information

Criminologists have begun to try to understand the motivations of cybercriminals through the application of existing criminological theories. Theories that are applicable to cybercrime include Social Learning Theory, General Theory of Crime, Differential Association and Learning Theories, Routine Activity Theory, and, most recently, the Space Transition Theory. With the exception of the Space Transition Theory, these theories were originally formed to explain more traditional criminal activity.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Read the following chapters in the textbook, Cybercrime and Digital Forensics: An Introduction:

a. Chapter 7 & 8, “Pornography, Prostitution, and Sex Crimes, Child Pornography and Sexual Exploitation”

b. Chapter 9, “Cyberbullying, Online Harassment, and Cyberstalking”

c. Chapter 11, “Cybercrime and Criminological Theories”

3. After reading the assigned textbook chapters and reviewing the media, navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following prompts. (Please note the new instructions beginning in Step 5.a regarding length of your posts.)

a. How well do criminological theories explain why people commit cybercrimes? Based on your understanding of criminological theories, what can federal law enforcement do in response to cybercrime?

b. Which of the criminological theories best explains digital piracy? Explain your choice.

c. What strategy would you recommend federal law enforcement take when responding to the actions of Anonymous? Explain why you think this would be the most effective strategy to follow.

d. Your post should be a minimum of 300 words long.