All Work Must Be Original, Cited In APA Format, And Will Be

All Work Must Be Original Cited In Apa Format And Will Be Submitted

All work must be original, cited, in APA format, and will be submitted to Turnitin. This is a discussion post. Based on the number of “hacking” instances in the news every week, it’s safe to assume that computer crime will increase in the years ahead. The perpetrators are often overseas and thus hard to catch, and the punishment does not seem to be enough to offset the opportunity for a large financial gain. Explain why computer crimes will increase, what is being done to combat them, and how - if at all - you think they could be curtailed?

Paper For Above instruction

The rise of computer crimes, particularly hacking, has been a significant concern in recent years, driven by technological advancements, economic incentives, and the global nature of cyber threats. The increasing frequency of high-profile cyber attacks and data breaches underscores a trend that suggests computer crimes will continue to escalate unless comprehensive measures are adopted. Several factors contribute to this anticipated increase, including the lucrative nature of cybercrime, the anonymity afforded by digital environments, and the challenges associated with jurisdictional enforcement.

Firstly, the profitability of cybercrime acts as a primary motivator for perpetrators to engage in illegal activities online. Cybercriminals can target large organizations, financial institutions, and government agencies to steal sensitive data, commit fraud, or demand ransoms through ransomware attacks. The financial gains can be substantial, often surpassing traditional forms of crime, making cybercrime lucrative and enticing for criminals. Furthermore, the relative ease of entry into hacking activities, coupled with the availability of hacking tools and forums on the dark web, lowers the barrier to entry for aspiring cybercriminals (McGuire & Dowling, 2013).

Secondly, the global and decentralized nature of cyberspace complicates efforts to combat cybercrime. Perpetrators often operate from foreign jurisdictions where enforcement is weak or non-existent, making extradition and prosecution challenging. This geographical disparity impedes coordinated international efforts against cybercriminals. Law enforcement agencies face difficulties in tracking down suspects, gathering evidence across borders, and enforcing laws uniformly, which diminishes the risks for cybercriminals and encourages continued illicit activity (Brenner, 2010).

In response, governments and organizations have implemented various measures to mitigate cyber threats. Enhanced cybersecurity protocols, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption, have become standard to safeguard data. International collaborations, like INTERPOL's cybercrime units and frameworks like the Budapest Convention, aim to facilitate cross-border cooperation and law enforcement intelligence sharing (ITU, 2018). Additionally, many countries have enacted stricter cyber laws and increased funding for cyber units within police agencies to improve investigative capacities.

Despite these efforts, complete eradication of cybercrime remains unlikely due to the persistent push factors. To curtail these activities more effectively, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes continuous technological innovation in cybersecurity, promoting public awareness about safe online practices, and strengthening international legal cooperation for apprehending offenders. Education and awareness campaigns can help individuals and organizations recognize and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, incentivizing cybercriminals away from illegal activities through economic reforms or offering legitimate employment opportunities in cybersecurity can reduce the lure of cybercrime (Choo et al., 2019).

In conclusion, as technological reliance increases, so will the incentives and opportunities for cybercriminals, leading to a probable rise in computer crimes. While efforts are underway to combat these threats through legal, technological, and cooperative measures, ongoing innovation, awareness, and international collaboration are essential to effectively curb cybercriminal activity. Addressing the root causes and reducing the profitability of cybercrimes may ultimately be the most effective strategy in minimizing their prevalence in the future.

References

Brenner, S. W. (2010). Cybercrime: Criminal threats from cyberspace. Praeger Security International.

Choo, K.-K. R., Ferizov, A., & Johnson, M. (2019). Protecting the Cyberverse: Human factors, education and security awareness. Computers & Security, 83, 223-237.

ITU. (2018). Global Cybersecurity Index 2018. International Telecommunication Union.

McGuire, M., & Dowling, S. (2013). Cyber Crime: How Prevalent Is It? And How Can We Protect Ourselves? Journal of Money Laundering Control, 16(2), 105-118.