Cyber crime means any criminal activity in which a computer or network is the source, tool or target or place of crime. The Cambridge English Dictionary defines cyber crimes as crimes committed with the use of computers or relating to computers, especially through internet.
Crimes involving use of information or usage of electronic means in furtherance of crime are covered under the scope of cyber crime. Cyber Crimes may be committed against persons, property and government. The common types of cyber crimes may be discussed under the following heads.
1. Hacking - A hacker is an unauthorized user who attempts to or gains access to an information system. Hacking is a crime even if there is no visible damage to the system, since it is an invasion in to the privacy of data. There are different classes of Hackers.
a) White Hat Hackers - They believe that information sharing is good, and that it is their duty to share their expertise by facilitating access to information. However there are some white hat hackers who are just “joy riding" on computer systems.
b) Black Hat Hackers - They cause damage after intrusion. They may steal or modify data or insert viruses or worms which damage the system. They are also called ‘crackers’.
c) Grey Hat Hackers - Typically ethical but occasionally violates hacker ethics Hackers will hack into networks, stand-alone computers and software. Network hackers try to gain unauthorized access to private computer networks just for challenge, curiosity, and distribution of information. Crackers perform unauthorized intrusion with damage like stealing or changing of information or inserting malware (viruses or worms).
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