TORONTO – Never in its short history, has mankind experienced the rapid change in
lifestyle that the recent advances in Information Technology has caused.
The invention of the computer is responsible for this change.
The average home computer of today has more power than the
mainframe
computer had 10 years ago. This trend in rapid growth is continuing
almost
daily,
making the home computer becoming faster, smaller, affordable and
easier to
use. This has led to a dramatic shift in the way we use them.
Previously, computers were seen simply as a tool, used selectively by
business, government organizations and research institutions. Those
who used
them received specialized training and used them for specific
purposes.
Today, this picture is completely different. The very infrastructure of
society relies on this technology. Financial networks, communication
systems, power stations, medical facilities, automobiles and appliances
use
computers. Computers can record your bank withdrawals, deposits,
purchases,
telephone calls, usage of electricity, medical treatments, personality
profiles, and much more. Individuals use home computers regularly for
convenience, education, research, entertainment and pleasure. Personal
computers are connected to networks to take advantage of a wide range
of
services such as email, chat lines, and the World Wide Web. Networks
extend
the reach of individuals, giving them greater freedom and power to be
creative – and to be destructive.
While Information technology has proved to be of enormous benefit, as it
continues to change the way we live, if we are not vigilant and willing to
employ common sense prevention techniques, it will prove to be our
greatest
Achilles heel.
Alarmingly, as computers become more sophisticated and easier to use,
they
are involved in a growing number of crimes. Criminals use the computer
as a
tool to perpetrate crimes – computer intrusion, stalking, harassment,
fraud,
stock market manipulation and theft.
The articles in this column will concentrate on the Internet and other
related topics. The main focus of the articles is to give you advice on what
actions you can take to prevent from becoming a computer crime
victim.
This week, the advice deals with awareness of your vulnerability when
online; and steps you should take to minimize the risk of using your credit
card on line.
AWARENESS
The computer is in a safe area of my home. Family members surround
me. The
doors are lock. How can harm come to me? This attitude underscores
one of
the greatest dangers of cyberspace – the false sense of security and
safety. The computer gives the individual access to any part of the world.
The individual must be aware that they are now travelling down a foreign
street filled with dark alleys and unseen dangers. If they are not careful
they can lose the home they felt safe in. Therefore keep your awareness
fine-tuned; always know where you are and who you are communicating
with;
keep your guard up; question everything and be suspicious of even the
most
trivial remark or action; and never, never, never give out your personal
information to anyone online.
USING CREDIT CARDS
While it is convenient to purchased merchandize on the Internet, it is also very risky. Many individuals have been victims of fraud, theft and loss of identity for being to quick to purchase that rare item offered at an attractive price. They could have minimize the risk by following the advice
listed below:
1. – Know exactly who you are dealing with. Purchasing
items from large companies like Chapters, Amazon etc is relatively safe.
Use caution when using smaller online retail sites, which tend to use
off-the-shelf e-commerce software and have fewer resources to devote to
security. Be very cautious when dealing the individual or small business
that offers collector items like i.e. Beanie Babies, Barbie Dolls etc.
Investigate them. The longer the distance from where they are to your
location, the more thorough the investigation.
2. – Follow your transactions religiously. To help you to identify
fraudulent charges, use only one credit card for online purchases only.
3. – Use only a credit card for online purchases.
4. – Always check your bills carefully each month.
5. – Cancel the card immediately if you find suspicious charges or
purchases.
6. – Keep account numbers handy. This will simplify the process of
cancelling the card. If this information is kept in your computer – Backup
this information to a floppy.
7. – Ask the retail site if the company stores users’ credit card
information. If they do, ask if the site encrypts your personal information
before it’s stored. The industry standard for financial institution is
128-byte encryption. If the answer is no – consider shopping elsewhere.
8. – Do not under any circumstances provide credit card information in
response to a solicitation.
9. – Your information can be intercepted. This information can be used
to obtain one or more credit cards under your name – without your
knowledge. To minimize this risk, regularly check your credit history
through a credit-reporting company.
CONCLUSION
As computers become smaller, faster, easier to use, and affordable, our
dependency to them will grow. Individuals using them will become links in
a
global nervous system. The great majority of users will be law abiding.
Others will take advantage of the weakness in the system to commit
criminal
acts. By using common sense crime prevention techniques, outlined in
this
and following articles, you minimize the risk of becoming a victim.
Minimizing your risk is our goal and the only purpose for this
column.
Maurice Joseph Francis Ragogna was born in Spilimbergo, Italy.
He is
presently a law enforcement officer with twenty-five years experience,
employed by Toronto Police Service – Fraud and Forgery Unit. He is
presently
serving as president of the Ontario Chapter of the High Technology Crime
Investigation Association. He received his education in Toronto, Ottawa
and
Kingston. He was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration with bar, The
Police
Meritorious Service Medal and the Confederation Service Medal. He lives
in
Oakville with his wife Jana, daughter Katie and son Andrew.
