Bridging the Gap Between Private and Public Security in ADP (Automatic Data Processing) - The Challenge of the 80's

• NCJ Number: 84634
• Author(s): E J Criscuoli
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: An address given at the Third Annual Seminar on Security of Federal Automated Information Systems

Annotation

The executive director of the American Society for Industrial Security discusses computer crime in terms of its nature and scope and existing and potential measures to improve computer security.

Abstract

According to the United States Chamber of Commerce, the annual losses from computer crime amount to over $100 million. Computer crime includes financial ripoffs, thefts of personal property and data, unauthorized use of services, physical attacks, and electronic penetration. Computer thieves tend to be bright, highly motivated, well educated, and professionals. Security measures such as administrative controls, physical measures, and educational programs can help protect computers from theft. Federal computer crime legislation is also needed, since most Federal and State prosecutors must rely on old larceny and embezzlement statutes. The concept of computer security evolved gradually since 1969 and now includes accuracy, integrity, accountability, availability, auditability, and impenetrability. Greater cooperation between the private and public sectors is needed to deal with computer crime. The proliferation of legislation related to privacy has eroded some of the past cooperative efforts of the private and public sectors in deterring crime. However, the private sector has both the resources and the training to help the public sector in preventing computer crime. Computer crime is encouraged by visibility of the computer operation to the general public, lack of contingency planning, and no separation of crucial functions in an organization.