Jazmin Tapuroc

Introduction: Computer crime is a growing concern as more and more individuals and organizations rely on computer systems for various purposes. These crimes take different forms, and organizations engaged in sensitive sectors like financial services, healthcare, and government are often prime targets. This essay describes three types of computer crime in detail and includes examples of organizations that were impacted by each type of crime. Additionally, the essay elaborates on how the impact of computer crime is quantified in these situations. Types of Computer Crime: 1. Hacking Hacking refers to an unauthorized attempt to access computer systems or networks for malicious purposes. Hackers break into computer systems to steal sensitive information, modify data, or bring down computer systems. One organization that was affected by hacking involves Sony Pictures Entertainment. In 2014, hackers broke into Sony Pictures' computer systems in an event dubbed as "the most devastating hack in history." The hackers claimed responsibility for stealing a massive amount of data that included unreleased movies, confidential emails, and personal information of employees and celebrities. The impact of this hack went beyond the theft of sensitive information, as the hackers also threatened to release the data if Sony did not cancel the release of a movie depicting North Korea's leader. The impact of hacking on organizations is quantified through the damages incurred. These damages may include the cost of cleanup, loss of revenue, and legal penalties. For example, Sony Pictures had to pay millions of dollars in damages to settle lawsuits filed by employees whose personal information was stolen. 2. Malware Malware refers to software that is designed to gain unauthorized access or damage computer systems. These programs include viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. The WannaCry ransomware is an example of malware that affected organizations globally. In May 2017, WannaCry ransomware infected hundreds of thousands of computers in more than 150 countries. The malware encrypted files on infected systems and demanded a ransom fee from victims to unlock their files. The impact of malware on organizations is quantified by analyzing the extent of the damage caused. In the case of WannaCry, the impact was widespread, causing significant disruptions in operations and data loss. Additionally, organizations that fell prey to the ransomware had to pay a considerable fee for the decryption of their files. 3. Identity theft Identity theft refers to a crime where someone steals another person's personal information to commit fraud or other illicit activities. Cybercriminals may use phishing scams, social engineering tactics, or malware to steal passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information. One example of an organization that was affected by identity theft is Equifax. In 2017, Equifax announced that hackers had gained unauthorized access to its systems, exposing the personal information of over 147 million individuals. The impact of identity theft on organizations is quantified through the cost of remediation, as well as damages related to legal penalties and loss of trust among stakeholders. Equifax paid millions of dollars in settlement fees to consumers affected by the data breach. Conclusion: Computer crime is an ever-present threat to organizations worldwide, and its impact can be devastating. This essay has described three types of computer crime along with examples of organizations that fell victim to the crimes. The essay has also elaborated on how the impact of computer crime is quantified in these situations, highlighting the importance of preventing such crimes and establishing measures to mitigate their impact.