Internet crime is an issue that has affected the public for years.
FBI Special Agent Manuel Johnson said the investigation of cyber crime is currently the third priority of the FBI, behind terrorism and counter intelligence programs.
Interruption and capturing of personal information through the use of wireless systems is becoming more common. A local wireless setting, such as a coffee shop or university building, provides easy access for any cyber criminal to obtain personal information off of computers.
“The University provides firewalls and protection software,” said Jay Spradling, ASU’s Police Department assistant chief. “However, most internet crime could be prevented by the users being careful with their data, [not] responding to unknown emails, and not putting a lot of personal information on their Facebook or MySpace pages.”
Spradling advises students to not use free hot spots, do personal banking or buy something with a credit card.
“Too much information is obtainable in these settings. Use a connected network cable, good firewall and turn off your wireless antenna,” Spradling said.
ASU Student Tiffany Knox uses precaution when using a community Wi-Fi service.
“I’m always using the Internet in local places, but I am very careful about what I do. I never make purchases or exchange personal information in a local setting,” she said.
There are several different types of internet crimes. Identity theft, fraud schemes, computer intrusions and child pornography are among the many types of crimes committed over the internet. Special Agent Johnson said that almost 60 percent of Internet crimes are auction and non-delivery fraud.
The FBI, National White Collar Crime Center and Bureau of Justice Assistance created IC3.gov, an Internet crime complaint website, to allow people to file complaints related to cyber crimes.
“It’s trying to educate the public about [internet crime] and report it to their local authorities and to the FBI,” Johnson said.
In 2007 IC3.gov received 206,884 complaints and issues regarding internet crimes, just a slight .3 percent decrease from 2006. Many internet crimes go unreported and there are no accurate statistics on how much internet crime is committed around the country or in the Phoenix area.
Infragard, a program created by the FBI, works with corporate, academic and other agencies to educate and inform on protecting computer systems against internet crime.
If you have an internet crime complaint or want to learn more about how to protect yourself, the FBI advises you to please visit IC3.gov or contact your low enforcement agency.
Reach the reporter at rawilso2@asu.edu.
