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Title:
Net Crimes & Misdemeanours
Review:
'Net Crimes & Misdemeanours' describes the various ways in which
Internet users can be deceived, defrauded and harassed, giving
examples from the author's correspondents and the solutions to their
problems. The book was inspired by Hitchcock's own cases of identity
fraud and online harassment and the descriptions of her experiences
make the advice given all the more sensible by comparison.
The book deals with one method or area of personal attack or
harassment per chapter, from spam email, credit card fraud, identity
theft, email viruses to chat rooms and auction web sites. Each chapter
contains at least one example of the topic discussed and a list of
online resources collated to help victims. Some of the subjects are
esoteric, such as adoption fraud or 'lone gunmen' stalkers, but all
make for interesting reading. The final chapters deal with American
police forces attempting to catch online criminals, encryption of
information, anti-virus programs, firewalls and a quick reference
summary chapter.
A question repeatedly addressed throughout this book is 'How do I stay
safe online?'. The answer given by Hitchcock assumes no trust of
others on the part of the user. Advice ranges from the sensible 'Don't
give out personal information' such as contact and financial details,
to the ultra cautious 'Use a PO Box in the next town as your mailing
address' and 'Get an unlisted telephone number'. Information equals
ammunition in this analysis, with the more information available about
an individual making them an easier target for malicious users. With
recent news stories of the identity theft of thirty thousand people by
a New York-based gang
, limitation appears
to be the best way of avoiding trouble.
The crimes described in the book can affect any Internet user, but
Hitchcock has written for the American market. The resources listed
should be treated as an introduction to each subject by non
American-based users, who may well find that their own country has
its own organisations for dealing with each crime. The writing is
clear and aimed at the non-technical Internet user, with a
glossary defining technical terms used in the text.
This book would make an excellent basis for a course on Internet
safety and security, as everybody should be aware of the dangers
involved in communicating and doing business via a computer. With
more households going online and the uptake of broadband/ASDL
connections rising, new Internet users should take the advice Jayne
Hitchcock gives and stop themselves from becoming victims in the first
place.
Free Pint Reviewer:
Stephen Lafferty has an MSc. in Library and Information Management and
is taking Jayne Hitchcock's advice and not giving too much personal
information away.
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