Types of computer misuse

Data misuse and unauthorised transfer or copying

Copying and illegal transfer of data is very quick and easy using online computers and large storage devices such as hard disks, memory sticks and DVDs.

Email and chat room abuses

Internet services such as chat rooms and email have been the subject of many well- publicized cases of impersonation and deception where people who are online pretend to have a different identity.

Copying and distributing copyrighted software, music and film

This includes copying music and movies with computer equipment and distributing it on the internet without the copyright holders permission. This is a widespread misuse.

Hacking

This is when an unauthorised person uses a network, internet or modem connection to gain access past security passwords or other security to see data stored on another computer.

Identity and financial abuse

This topic includes misuse of stolen or fictional credit card numbers to obtain goods or services on the Internet, and use of computers in financial frauds.

Viruses

Viruses are relatively simple programs written by people and designed to cause nuisance or damage to computers or their files.