Assignment 3: Fraud Techniques Due Week 7 And Worth 50 Point

Assignment 3: Fraud Techniques Due Week 7 and Worth 50 Points

Today, there are many industries that remain vulnerable to electronic fraud. For this assignment, you will need to research the Internet for organizations that remain vulnerable and the hacking or fraud techniques they have encountered in recent years. Write a 3-4 page paper in which you: Identify and describe at least two forms of fraud techniques from your research. Include the identity of the government agencies that provide awareness for these types of fraud techniques. Justify the threat cyber terrorism poses to society. Provide examples to support your justification. Prioritize steps that should be completed in order to preserve evidence so that it may be used in court cases against computer fraud offenders. Defend or oppose the legal processes of civil law used to resolve cases against computer crimes offenders. Justify your decision. Use at least four (4) quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

Paper For Above instruction

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, electronic fraud poses an increasing threat across various industries. Cybercriminals employ sophisticated techniques to exploit vulnerabilities, leading to substantial financial and reputational damages. This paper explores two prevalent fraud techniques, the government agencies responsible for awareness, the societal threats posed by cyber terrorism, and the legal frameworks for addressing such crimes.

1. Types of Fraud Techniques

The first notable fraud technique is phishing, a method where cybercriminals deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal identification details. Phishing often involves the use of deceptive emails, fake websites, or messages that appear legitimate to lure victims into providing confidential data. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), phishing attacks have increased dramatically, with attackers continuously refining their tactics to evade detection (FTC, 2022).

The second technique prevalent in recent years is ransomware attacks. In these schemes, malicious actors infiltrate organizational networks, encrypt critical data, and demand ransom payments for decryption keys. Ransomware incidents have targeted healthcare facilities, government agencies, and corporate entities. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) emphasizes that ransomware is a significant threat, often causing operational disruptions and financial losses (CISA, 2023).

2. Government Agencies Providing Awareness

The primary agencies providing awareness and guidance on these fraud techniques include the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which offers resources for individuals to recognize and prevent phishing scams, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which publishes alerts and best practices to defend against ransomware and other cyber threats. Additionally, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) collects and analyzes internet crime reports to help law enforcement and the public understand emerging threats.

3. Threat of Cyber Terrorism to Society

Cyber terrorism constitutes a profound threat to societal stability, as it aims to disrupt critical infrastructure, financial systems, and governmental operations. The potential consequences of cyber terrorism include power grid failures, financial system collapses, and national security breaches. For example, the 2015 Ukrainian power grid attack demonstrated how cyber attacks could disable essential services, illustrating the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to hostile actors (Sullivan, 2017). The societal impact extends beyond economic losses to include threats to public safety and national security.

4. Evidence Preservation in Cybercrime Cases

Effective evidence preservation is vital for successful prosecution of cyber offenders. Prioritized steps include maintaining detailed chain-of-custody records, securing digital evidence through write-blockers, and ensuring proper documentation of all investigative procedures. Utilizing forensic tools to create bit-by-bit copies of digital media prevents tampering and facilitates court admissibility. Adherence to standards such as ACPO guidelines ensures evidence integrity and reduces the risk of case dismissal (National Institute of Justice, 2018).

5. Legal Processes and Civil Law in Computer Crime Cases

The legal framework for addressing computer crimes primarily involves criminal law, but civil law also plays a role in resolving disputes and imposing sanctions. Civil processes allow victims to seek damages and enforce privacy rights without the complexities of criminal proceedings. However, some argue that civil procedures might lack the deterrent effect of criminal sanctions. Conversely, criminal law provides stricter penalties, fostering deterrence but requires a higher burden of proof. I support a balanced approach where civil law complements criminal proceedings, enabling comprehensive enforcement and victim restitution (Friedman, 2020).

Conclusion

Electronic fraud continues to evolve, with techniques like phishing and ransomware becoming increasingly sophisticated. Government agencies such as the FTC and CISA play critical roles in raising awareness and providing guidance to combat these threats. The societal implications of cyber terrorism underscore the need for robust security measures and proactive legal strategies. Lastly, protecting digital evidence and applying appropriate legal processes are essential for effectively prosecuting cybercriminals and safeguarding societal interests.

References

• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. (2023). Ransomware guidance. https://www.cisa.gov/ransomware
• Federal Trade Commission. (2022). Protecting yourself from phishing scams. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
• Friedman, B. (2020). Cybersecurity law and evidence: Legal challenges and solutions. Journal of Cybersecurity Law, 15(2), 45-59.
• National Institute of Justice. (2018). Digital evidence collection and preservation. https://www.nij.gov/topics/established/evidence/digital/Pages/welcome.aspx
• Sullivan, R. (2017). The Ukrainian power grid cyberattack: An illustrative case of cyber terrorism. Security Journal, 30(4), 635-651.