Computer System Hacking and Cracking

As computer technologies have come into widespread use, computerrelated crime has emerged as a major problem for society. The costs of these crimes are inestimable. In the past, hacking and cracking behaviors were typically engaged in by mischievous youths. At one time, hackers who cooperated with the authorities received mild treatment. More recently, however, attitudes have begun to change. In response to the increasing prevalence and severity of computer-related crimes, new statutes have been enacted. These laws give authorities the power to respond effectively to hacker attacks. By shifting the emphasis away from the specific monetary damages inflicted by such crime and considering its larger implications, the new laws will result in stiff fines and jail sentences for convicted offenders.

Over the last few decades, computerrelated crime has escalated at a rapid rate. Of the various different types of computer crime, hacking involves secretly entering computer systems and maliciously destroying or stealing data (Littlejohn 37). In order to engage in these criminal activities, however, hackers must also be "crackers." "Cracking" involves obtaining the password to a computer. Actually, breaking into computers is a relatively easy thing to do. Crackers typically employ computer programs which try every word in the dictionary at a rate of 10,000 words per second. These programs can break the passwo

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of thousands of dollars and many years in jail. Moreover, there has lately been a shift towards even stiffer fines and longer jail sentences. For example, laws passed in 1986 impose punishments that are commensurate with the crime victim's suffering (Rotenberg 21). Such losses may involve not only money, but any harm incurred by loss of data confidentiality or integrity (Daly, "Group . . ." 20). Moreover, despite these farreaching statutes, new penalties are still being considered. For example, offenders could be restricted from possession or use of a modem. Additionally, such persons might be prohibited from even working with computers. Since many hackers cannot imagine doing anything else for a living, these sanctions represent a particularly powerful potential deterrent. Finally, for repeat or serious criminals, a "computer offender registry" may be created (Rosenblatt 40). As far as tracing, catching, and prosecuting hackers, law enforcement officials face a variety of unique challenges. For instance, computer crimes often involve farflung geographic areas. This generally requires the coordination of several different law enforcement agencies. In addition, the computer laws, themselves, tend to be rather am
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Approximate Word count = 2994
Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page)