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Jan. 12, 2007 I don’t like hackers and these corporations that invade my computer with spybots and whatnot. They are also invading my privacy, and I want it to stop. I’m sure 95% of America agrees. Spybots are the equivalent of someone opening your mail, checking out who you do business with, and then contacting similar companies and selling them your personal information. This internet leeching is nothing more than an invasion of privacy, and congress is too gutless (and too much full of computer lobby money) to do anything about it. A steep sentence may not guarantee a decrease in crime, but I believe it's worth a shot. Identity theft is a growing crime and the sentences from state to state lack uniformity and bite. Tracing these thieves is difficult if not impossible, and oftentimes, the attacks are done from an offshore site, further complicating matters. “And, as with all Internet-related lawsuits, there are often battles over which court's jurisdiction applies to the case.” (HowStuffWorks) However, when someone is convicted of such crimes, the sentence should be severe. No fines or plea bargaining should be allowed, along with lifetime restrictions on future computer use. America should follow the lead of British lawmakers, who are proposing steeper penalties for computer crimes. “The maximum penalty for unauthorized modification of a computer from five years to 10 years, a provision that would cover all forms of DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks.” (Kirk) I’m sure that exacts a toll on business, but could not find out to what extent. Part of the problem is the lack of uniformity regarding hacking. I never quite knew the official definition of hacking until I ran across this one: “Computer hacking always involves some degree of infringement on the privacy of others or damage to computer-based property such as files, web pages or software.” This raises the question of what should actually be considered criminal behavior. Moreover, hacking has an aura of Robin Hood-like rebellion about it, as some see these individuals as persons working to make the internet safer through exploration and exploitation of various systems. In my view, these cretins are no better than the drug dealer who distributes turkeys on Thanksgiving. Some might even argue that if the intent is not malicious, it should not be a crime. I say, if it isn’t your business to be there, stay out. Enter at your own risk: of jail time. Installed malware, programs put on your computer with or without your knowledge to generate traffic for their host website, are a real headache. These programs include adware (exposes you to unsolicited ads), spyware, trojans (Trojans get into your hard drive and wreak havoc in your system (such as shut the machine down against the wishes of the operator. They can also tear your files to shreds), and keystroke loggers, and have the potential to place your machine under the control of someone else. This might result in your computer being used to send spam, steal personal information by analyzing your keystrokes, or divert your computer to an adult website. Unbeknownst to the owners, it is estimated that more than two-thirds of all personal computers are infected with some kind of spyware. (source: HowStuffWorks) It is estimated that 30% of the computers in this country are infected with malware, Spyware is often mistaken for viruses, which are pieces of code “designed to replicate itself as many times as possible, spreading from one host computer to any other computers connected to it. It usually has a payload that may damage your personal files or even your operating system.” (HowStuffWorks) Botnets are a type of virus that secretly install themselves, link with thousands of other computers and use them to commit cybercrimes. Again, there are programs that counter this, but the evildoers always seem to be a step ahead. Furthermore, there are some who argue that spybots are just marketing run amok, more of a nuisance than a punishable offense. Spyware may appear as pop-up ads stating that you have won a prize of some sort, or appear as anti-spyware. (I fell for this bit). While it may not be criminal in the truest sense of the word, it does need to be curtailed, if not eliminated. Perhaps something similar to the national “do not call” list is in order. Sources: David M. Stone, “Computer Hacking,” University Laboratory High School, Urbana, IL HowStuffWorks, Inc.. January 11, 2006 Jeremy Kirk, “U.K. bill would increase penalties for cybercriminals,” IDG.net News Service, January 27, 2006 John Markoff, “Wave oif Viruses Plague Internet,” Contra Costa Times, p. B1, January 10, 2007 ------------ About the author: Timothy N. Stelly, Sr. is a 46-year old poet, novelist and aspiring screenwriter who resides in northern California with his three youngest children--Lawrence, Kimberly and Dante. He is a member of various writer's groups and has three novels in print, his most recent, "Like A Straight-Up Sucka," is available at www.lulu.com. website: http://stellbreadO@tripod.com Email: stellbread@yahoo.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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