ABSTRACT
Computer crime is not easily defined. Metaphorically, computer crime is a universe of technology and
exploits that expands and shifts on a daily basis. Practically, we are left with the most basic and intuitive
of definitions for computer crime: criminal activity that involves the use of one or more computers.
Though simple, this definition serves to separate computer activity that may only be obnoxious,
irritating, or offensive from that which is actually in violation of law. This is the essence of criminality,
computer-related or otherwise. This chapter examines computer crime in three stages: concepts,
common computer crimes, and tactics of the security professional in dealing with computer crime.
