Examples of Computer Crimes

There are other computer crimes that are really scary as they directly harm individuals. One example of computer crime is phishing or identity theft through the internet. I quoted below an article from the AOL site about a friendly warning on phishing:

"Phishing scams may take many forms, but they usually start with an e-mail, instant message or pop-up window asking you to update your personal information. One of the following often accompanies this request:
-- A threat or warning that failure to update your information will result in the closure of an account or cancellation of a subscription
-- An offer of a prize or some other form of financial compensation
-- A note that you have received pictures or an instant greeting
-- A confirmation of an online purchase
Phishing attempts may masquerade as official notifications from reputable companies, such as your bank, your credit card company, or even AOL. The message will usually encourage you to click on a link that takes you to a "copycat" Web site designed to look identical to a legitimate site. Such copycat sites are also known as "spoofed" sites."

Another example is computer-aided stalking by people who might be obsessed with someone else or somebody with the intent to bring misery, agony or distress. Sending frequent, malicious emails to somebody who have expressed that he/she no longer want to maintain correspondence also falls under this category.

Another was a hate letter against Filipinos circulated in the internet under the name of a relatively famous person in the US. The PDI even picked up the story but ended up apologizing to the man as the letter was proven to be sent by somebody else. This caused a lot of trouble, stress and embarrassment.

What constitutes a computer crime?

Generally, computer abuses that are listed in a certain country as illegal become computer crimes in that particular county. Computer crimes, their corresponding punishment/penalties and severity vary from place to place. In countries where e-commerce laws and their enforcement are rather advance, jurisprudence and examples abound already. In some, the entire concept of laws covering computer usage and abuse are still in their infancy.

There are computer abuses that are inherently wrong, like the creation of virus and unleashing it to create damage and errors in other people’s computers or networks. Or the intentional breaking into a computer system with the motive of stealing files. Intent plays a big role in determining the severity of a certain act/crime.

Spamming, on the other hand, is illegal but in other areas, it is just seen as a nuisance that people need to put up with.

My Code of Computer Ethics

As my computing work is restricted to using Microsoft Office applications and surfing the net, my Code of Computer Ethics is rather crude, simple and reflects old-fashioned, kindergarten – learned principles.

These personal do’s and don’ts were distilled from the lessons I learned from this subject and my experiences from years of computing. This Code also took time to be formulated as each principle is like a precious gem that I found from numerous occasions where questions on ethics in computing get in the fore. As I found them, I put them together as one would string precious stones one after the other.

I am not saying that this is a completed work as I see it more as an evolving piece. There will be other instances when it will be necessary to add another tenet. Meanwhile, this is as exhaustive as I can get:

1. Act with utmost respect when interacting with others through the net.

- Knock before you enter a room (Read: Do not go to sites unauthorized)
- Be gracious in your speech (Read: When in a chat group, let your language be gracious and free of obscenity)
- Give credit to where it is due (Read: Always cite your references when using borrowed materials).

2. Every act has an effect, whether good or bad.

Anything done in the computer can do a lot of tremendous good or tremendous harm to others. Be responsible, be wise, be kind, be honorable.

3. The computer is synonymous to information.

And information is power. Therefore, use the computer with utmost care, as one would wield power.

4. Do unto others’ intellectual properties as you would want them do to yours.

If you design a software or computer program and would want others not to steal it, then do not steal others’ intellectual properties, too.

5. If you can not afford to buy a software, borrow licensed ones.

It is a lesser evil than buying pirated ones. At least, profit did not go to your source.

6. Remember, one is just a speck in the whole universe of computing.

Be humble and always think that there are others better than you are. When interacting with others in the net, always have the mindset of a student, wanting to learn new things.

7. Computing is relative. To some, it is a right, to others it is a privilege.

Always bear in mind that you are a privileged individual for having access to a computer unit and/or the internet. Have an attitude of gratefulness at all times. You will discover that it is easier to be ethical when you have a grateful heart.