Computer Crime
Computers have made such an impact on society that they are now essential for the smooth running of day-to-day activities.
It's probably safe to say - albeit a relatively recent inclusion on domestic life - that we take computers for granted. Most of the things we do at work and at home as a matter of routine could not run without the use of computers, whether it be accessing major databases, online shopping or playing a simple game of Solitaire.
With this new breed of technology has come a new breed of policing because - inevitably - with this sophisticated electronic freedom has come a whole new form of crime. However, the use of a computer to assist in committing an offence does not change the essence of criminal activity.
The global nature of the World Wide Web means for the Police Service that attempts to deal with Internet-related crimes will always be more complicated. This is because of the jurisdictional problems that arise in most cases relating to this type of crime.
Each country has its own laws and Police Officers in the UK have no power to get involved against crimes being committed overseas. They can only pass intelligence to other Police Forces.
Attempts and worldwide operations are ongoing against such things as Hard Core Porn and Crackers who attempt to interfere with computer systems throughout the world. These are dealt with at national level between law enforcement agencies throughout the world.
The UK has recently established a National Hi Tech Crime Unit to deal with Hi Tech Crime across national boundaries.
The information we set out for you will hopefully assist you to work out how to deal with computer crime as well as Internet related crime.
Cracking Computerised Fraud
The Surrey Police Computer Crime Investigation Unit deals with and assists other departments within Surrey Police with this area of crime. It is a new department, which has evolved from within the Surrey Police Commercial Fraud Unit during 2001.
The Unit deals with such crimes as hacking offences and denial of service attacks, and especially where the computer itself is the victim of and unauthorised access. If you need to get hold of the Computer Crime Investigation Unit, ring the main switchboard on 01483 531111.
The Unit is a part of the Surrey Police Investigation Team and gives a supporting role to any officer or department in the County who requires information or assistance in any aspect of computer crime or computer based evidence.
Don't Panic
If you suspect that a computer crime has been committed against your organisation:
DO NOT...
- Switch off the computer, or switch it on if it is off
- Allow anyone to use or interfere with the computer
- Disconnect the computer from any network, the Internet or telephone connection
YOU MUST...
- Inform the police immediately
- Designate one person to secure evidence
- Act quickly
Speed is particularly of the essence where an unauthorised transaction has resulted in the movement of funds. Investigating officers will respond immediately to maximise the opportunity for gathering vital evidence.
Your Business and Computer Crime
If you find yourself the victim of crime, any evidence is invaluable to the police. This is equally true in cases of computer-related crime, whether committed in the course of a theft, fraud, or act of sabotage against your organisation.
Computer crime, particularly carried out in the course of fraud, is invariably committed by, or with the assistance of, an employee within the victim organisation. Carrying out this type of crime generally calls for intimate knowledge of the company.
If you run a business or have responsibility for IT security, it is vitally important to ensure staff receive clear and precise written guidance regarding the extent of their authority to access systems or data. Ideally, this guidance should form part of the terms of employment. Any breach should be swiftly and effectively investigated, as it is not uncommon for offenders to carry out research for 'dry-runs' in preparation for the actual attempt.
Remember, recent back-up copies are not just important for restoring damaged or lost data. They also provide investigators with an opportunity to identify unauthorised changes carried out since the last back-up was taken. Keep back-up copies in a secure and separate location.
Useful Links
If you'd like further information on or help with Online Crime, please check out some of the links below:
Criminal Justice System Advice Sheet
Please view the following Victims of Crime information sheet (PDF format) created by Criminal Justice System aimed to provide support and advice to victims of crime
Leaflets and Information
The Home Office web site offers information on a variety of Crime Reduction matters, including statistics, policies, advice and published material.