What is computer misuse?

Misuse of computers and communications systems comes in several forms:

Hacking

Hacking is where an unauthorised person uses a networknetwork : A number of computers linked together to allow them to share resources., InternetInternet : A global network connecting millions of computers. or modemmodem: The link between a computer and the phone which converts computer signals to phone line signals and vice versa. connection to gain access past security passwords or other security to see datadata: information which has been organised or presented for analysis stored on another computer. Hackers sometimes use software [software : Instructions for a computer. Software tells the hardware what to do. ] hacking tools and often target, for example, particular sites on the Internet.

Data misuse and unauthorised transfer or copying

Copying and illegal transfer of data is very quick and easy using online computers and large storage devices such as hard disks and CDs. Personal data, company research and written work, such as novels and textbooks, can all be copied without permission.

Copying and distributing software, music and film

This includes copying music CDs with computer equipment, making copies of music tracks and distributing it on the Internet. This is a widespread misuse of both computers and the Internet that breaks copyright regulations.

Email and chat room abuses

Internet services such as Chat and Email have been the subject of many well-publicised cases of impersonation and deception where people who are online pretend to have a different identity. Chat roomschat rooms: An area on the internet which allows a user to talk to friends or join in discussions online. have been used to spread rumours about well known personalities. A growing area of abuse of the Internet is email spam, where millions of emails are sent to advertise both legal and illegal products and services.

Pornography

A lot of indecent material and pornography is available through the InternetInternet : A global network connecting millions of computers. and can be stored in electronic form. There have been several cases of material, which is classified as illegal, or which shows illegal acts, being found stored on computers followed by prosecutions for possession of the material.

Identity and financial abuses

This topic includes misuse of stolen or fictional credit card numbers to obtain goods or services on the Internet, and use of computers in financial frauds. These can range from complex well thought out deceptions to simple uses such as printing counterfeit money with colour printers.

Viruses

Viruses are programs [programs: A program is an organised list of instructions that, when executed, causes the computer to behave in a predetermined manner. ] written by people and designed to cause nuisance or damage to computers or their files. This is covered by a separate Virus section.