Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses: Serious Crimes, Nuisance, or Both?

Abstract

This study examines the functionality and propagation patterns of computer viruses, worms, and Trojan horses detected during a 12-month period beginning on January 1, 2004. Using data obtained from threat reports prepared by a major vendor of computer security products, the authors find that these unique forms of cybercrime warrant general concern but that their overall threat to corporate, government, and end computer users thus far has been exaggerated. The authors conclude that greater attention must be paid to the role of the computer user in the spread of viruses and other malicious software and to the small handful of chronic offenders who contribute disproportionately to the problem.

Cracking the Code: An Empirical Exploration of Social Learning Theory and Computer Crime

“…These negative social attitudes may be shared and learned through associations with peers who are involved in destructive activities by way of computer hacking. While some research has suggested that malicious hackers are the exception, not the rule, the outcome of their behaviors can take a toll on a multitude of victims which makes the problem especially worthy of systematic exploration (Hughes and DeLone, 2007).…”

“…This analogy is interesting from a social learning perspective as studies on delinquency and delinquent groups, specifically gangs, have supported social learning principles (Akers, 1998;Battin et al, 1998;Winfree et al, 1994). Further, Warr (2002) discussed the concept of "virtual peer groups'' and suggested a need for increased criminological attention (see also Harrington, 1989;Hughes and DeLone, 2007). Skinner and Fream (1997) built on the work of Hollinger (1993), who reported a strong relationship between computer crime (unauthorized account access) and friends' involvement as well as perceived certainty of detection.…”

“…Criminological attention to computer crime in general has increased in recent years; however, little is known about the etiology of the specific behaviors that encompass computer hacking (Hollinger, 1993; Hughes and DeLone, 2007; Skinner and Fream, 1997). Research has shown that, at present, the prevalence of computer crime and digital piracy is startling among younger Americans; this is especially true with regard to digital piracy (Higgins, 2005a;2005b;Higgins and Makin, 2004a;2004b Ingram and Hinduja, 2008).…”

“…This reality has made it difficult to estimate the costs and prevalence of malicious computer crimes (Taylor et al, 2005). However, it has been suggested that, at a minimum, the present costs of computer crime (malicious hacking and malware use) are in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, at least among US corporations and individuals who report such types of victimization (for a review see Hughes and DeLone, 2007).…”

Data Security and Information Privacy for PDA Accessible Clinical-Log for Medical Education in Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Approach

“…For backup information, it should be done centrally and individually by central IT unit and individual user [8]. Further, data security also covers other aspects around computer viruses, worms and Trojan horses which may cause and spread from adware, spyware or cybercrime [9].…”