 Protecting your computer and network
by Patricia Jordan
Cybercrime, once dominated by hackers and their worms and viruses, has become increasingly subjugated by a new breed of cybercriminal. Cybercrime includes all criminal offences that are committed with the aid of a computer, network, or hardware device. Motivated by fraud, cybercriminals are constantly searching for unprotected computers and networks that can be used to commit a cybercrime.
There are a variety of types of cybercrime. One type is a single event when a victim unknowingly downloads a Trojan horse that installs a keystroke logger, virus, or rootkit from a compromised website or an e-mail. A rootkit is a program that is designed to take unauthorized control of a computer or network. Examples of this type of crime include, but are not limited to, denial-of-service attacks, economic or industrial espionage, identity theft, malicious code, phishing, spamming, theft of service, and unauthorized access.
Cybercrime Services
Cybercriminals are now using online cybercrime services to install crimeware toolkits rather than dealing with the technical challenges of running a crimeware server. Services include automatic updates, support and enhancements such as evasive anti-forensics techniques and integration of code-obfuscation. It has been difficult to prosecute distributors of crimeware, as they did not commit the cybercrime that was committed with their product.
Cybercrime Prevention
You can protect your computer by ensuring it is configured securely and keeping it current with the latest software patches and updates. Choose strong passwords and protect your personal information. Change the default administration username and password if you use a wireless network (WiFi) and turn on wireless encryption and enable the firewall in your wireless router. Each device that is connected will need a firewall as well. Give your network a unique ID. The service set identifier (SSID) is the name you see when you look for available wireless connections with your laptop. Refrain from using default names such as “linksys” or “default,” as other people in your neighbourhood may do the same. If you use WiFi access in public places, take precautions to ensure you are not broadcasting passwords and other personal information to anyone running a “sniffer” program in the vicinity.
Cybercrime Victims
If you are the victim of an online attack, immediately disconnect your computer from the Internet by disconnecting your wireless connection or unplugging the network cable, phone, or cable line from your computer. You can also disable the network connection by clicking on the Windows start menu and selecting “Settings,” then “Network Connections.” You will then need to right-click on “Network Connections” and select the “disable” option. If your computer or network has been compromised, scan it with an up-to-date antivirus program and back up critical information. You may also need to re-install your computer’s operating system.
Patricia Jordan is the CBABC Web Manager. She welcomes your comments, questions and suggestions. Tel: 604-646-7861; E-mail: pjordan@bccba.org
This article was published in the June 2008 issue of BarTalk. © 2008 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved. |
