ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explains numerous ways that criminality could be facilitated by computers. The Computer Misuse Act 1990 continues to be one of the most important pieces of legislation in respect of computer and cybercrime. The book shows how technological advancements have revolutionised computing and communication technologies, including making the internet accessible to most. Some believe cybercrime is not a single type of offence and is instead best thought of as a broad range of behaviour and technologies that are always evolving. In order to understand what the problem of cybercrime is, it is perhaps necessary to understand its prevalence. The Convention on Cybercrime was arguably ahead of its time with its direct genesis being attributed to a 1985 committee of experts looking at computer crime. The book discusses standard ways of securing evidence, producing evidence and the collection of data.
