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Police Department Internet and Computer Crime Prevention Page
Crime Prevention   Report a Crime   NW3C Site   Complaint Center		Disclaimer: Third party information, opinions, and views made available to you (linked) through this page are not necessarily that of the VCU Police Department, its Webmaster, or its employees. Users of University computers should consult with AIT before making ANY adjustments or modifications to their systems! Be sure to read the latest Computer Security Alert! An Introduction to the Internet As of the year 2000, the Internet has become an international collection of over 9.7 million computer networks, all very capable of communicating with one another. Approximately 300 million people world-wide have access to the Internet (122.6 million of them being in the United States). So how do each of these computers connect with one another? How Computers Connect Every computer that is connected to the Internet depends on Internet Protocol (IP) to communicate with one another. Each computer has an IP Address. An example of an IP Address may look like 128.172.101.102. The first set of digit(s) in this example, 128, identifies a section of the main Internet system. The next set of digit(s), 172, identifies a specific network. The next set of digit(s), 101, identifies a section or department of the specific network. Finally, the last set of digit(s), 102, identifies a specific computer within that network. Surfin' the Web Most people who surf the web use browsers, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer™ or Netscape Communicator™. These browsers allow your computer to connect to servers (computers that store web site files and "serves" them to you when requested). These communications over the net are not private. Nearly everything is sent unencrypted and can be easily read. TIP: When purchasing online or submitting personal information, be sure the browser is secured. A lock will appear at the bottom of the browser when it is safe to send. Information Exchange When computers connect, certain information can be exchanged. For instance, some web sites can log your IP address. Others can place on your hard drive a "cookie" (a text file that is stored in the hard drive of your computer, telling the server things about you, your computer and your activities). Web browsers can be customized in their settings to accept or reject the cookie. Passwords stored in your computer can possibly be read by programs operated by malicious users, either locally (physically at your computer) or remotely (through the web). TIP: Do not store passwords automatically in your computer. AOL AIM™ and Yahoo Messenger™ offer it as an option. Always, manually enter your password whenever the software asks for it. Online Protection There is no fool-proof way to protect your computer 100%, with the exception of turning it off. But you can protect it about 99% of the time, with the right tools. There is a large amount of software available that can protect you and your computer. Anti-virus programs can block trojan files, worm files, and viruses from infecting your computer. These harmful things can make it vulnerable to outside attacks by malicious users. Firewall programs can keep other computers from connecting to yours through "unguarded ports" on your PC. Certain hardware connected to your computer, such as a broadband router, can 'hide' your computer from others on the web. More information is available below in the links section. An Introduction to Internet Crime The most common Internet crime is online fraud. This occurs when you go online, make a purchase from someone, and the product is never delivered. This sometimes occurs on auction sites. Fraudulent sites may obtain your credit card information in order to make purchases on your credit. Some users may become victim to email pyramid get-rich-quick schemes. In these examples, damage can be done and you may unknowingly become a victim. See our email scams page. TIP: If you are a member of the University community and feel that you have fallen victim to any crime of this type, notify the VCU Police Department immediately by calling (804) 828-1234. Malicious Users Online A 'hacker' is someone who enjoys the challenge of deciphering programs and stretching the capabilities of a program or a computer. They are not necessarily malicious users. A 'cracker' is a term used for persons who intentionally codes or utilizes programs to bypass security functions with the intent to gain private information or unauthorized access to a computer or number of computers. A few examples of malicious work can be found below. Malicious Users at Work There are many ways malicious users can do their work. Harassment via email, distribution of child pornography, and "online stalking" are a few of the many things malicious users can do to their victims. However, there are programs that are available today that allow malicious users to gain access to other computers and their programs. They use these hacks for several purposes, ranging from causing simple mischief to major damage. One type of program can 'steal' a password or passwords allowing the malicious user to do things such as access your email account, login to an Instant Messenger program and pretend to be you, or access your online banking. Another type of program can connect their computer to yours in a 'stealth mode' where you would not even be aware. It usually requires that your computer already be infected by a trojan program so that same trojan program can open up your computer to theirs. Once done, and if the program is strong in capabilities, the malicious user can do most anything with your computer remotely. They could access and view all your files on your hard drive, turn on your microphone or webcam, erase your hard drive(s) and even turn your computer off. The fact remains that technology has evolved greatly from the age of the Abacus. Protection is what ALL users of the web need most. Software Protection At a very basic level, everyone using the Internet should have software installed on their computer to protect it. Virginia Commonwealth University does not endorse these commercial providers or products unless otherwise noted. These links are provided as a courtesy as well as a guide for your personal use.      Norton Anti-Virus software provided by VCU (free for members of VCU)      McAfee Anti-Virus software provided by McAfee Corporation (trial download)      ZoneAlarm Firewall software provided by Zone Labs, Inc. (free for personal use) TIP: ZoneAlarm will notify you when an unauthorized user attempts to connect to your computer, including their IP Address, and if a "Trojan Horse" program trys to connect to the Internet from within your computer. Hardware Protection At the next level, everyone using the Internet may want to have hardware installed on their computer to protect it. Virginia Commonwealth University does not endorse these commercial providers or products unless otherwise noted. These links are provided as a courtesy as well as a guide for your personal use.      Barricade 4-Port 10/100Mbps Broadband Router (Manufactured by SMC)      NetGear FS100 series Fast Ethernet Switch TIP: A router or switch can dissolve connections from other outside computers before they reach your system. It assists you when a malicious user attempts to take control of your PC remotely. 12 Steps You Can Take To Protect Yourself & Your Computer Protect your computer from actual theft. Please register your computer with the VCU Police Department using the Operation PC-ID database. (For use by the University Community Only) Never leave your notebook computer unattended in a public place, such as the library. Some students carry them in backpacks. Thieves can easily take them away undetected. The rate of all larcenies out number any other crime on campus. Make extra efforts to protect your property. Many students who have their computer connected to VCU's Network in their dorm room should practice turning them off when unattended. If the computer is turned on and connected to a live network, it is always live on the web. The same rule of thumb applies to University faculty and staff. Users should not leave an Instant Messenger program running unattended. Malicious users may access the 'ports' used by these programs, therefore possibly having access to the computer. This rule of thumb should be followed for most programs that access the Internet (ie - email, browsers, p2p programs, etc.) Allowing a program to 'save' or 'store' your password(s) is not suggested. If you use a public computer, such as in a library or classroom, and access an Instant Messenger program or email program that has saved your password, the next person that uses it will be able to access your personal items. They may be able to impersonate you and chat with your friends or even email them. When using passwords, choose them wisely. Use strong ones as to make it hard to guess. If someone knows your boyfriend's or girlfriend's name, and you've chosen their name (out of appreciation) to be your password, you've just given that person access. When reading emails, be aware of attached files. If someone, whom you do not know or trust, has sent you a file via email, suspect it may be a trojan or virus file. Delete the message immediately. Do not 'Download' or 'Open' the file. If you make a purchase online, do so with a respectable business on a secured web browser. Don't give out your credit card number or personal information to any private individual over the web. You can open yourself up to fraud. Be aware of the pitfalls of get-rich-quick schemes in email messages. Most people who get involved in these things lose money. If you've installed anti-virus software on your computer, make sure you have updated the Virus Definition file for the software at least on a weekly basis (the program should be capable of doing it for you). Once done, scan your ENTIRE system to insure integrity. New viruses are created daily. Antivirus firm McAfee claims there are more than 58,000 virus threats currently in existence, and antivirus company Symantec estimates that 10 to 15 new viruses are discovered each day.The Virus Definition file holds information about each and every known virus and its variant. It's the same file that the anti-virus program uses, as an index, to search for viruses on your computer. An anti-virus program is only as good as the definition file it reads. Make sure that you have set your web browser options to maximize your protection. In Internet Explorer™, click on Tools, then Internet Options, then Security. In Netscape™, click on Edit, then click on Preferences, then click on Privacy and Security. Click on Help in the toolbar for more assistance. Lastly, never give out personal information over the web. By chance if you become a victim of a computer crime, notify the police immediately. Most people may be embarrassed that they have fallen prey to someone over the web, but know that it is important to us. The VCU Police Department is here to help. Excellent Reading, Presentations, and Online Testing Resources Presentations -  VIEW: The Technical Side of Internet and Computer Crime (Microsoft Powerpoint) For full and proper viewing of this powerpoint presentation, please 'right-click' your mouse and 'Save As' the file onto your computer. If you view this presentation on your browser, the web links inside the presentation will not work for you. This presentation provides in-depth information regarding Internet and Computer Crime, ways to protect yourself, and the Laws involved. Videos -  WATCH: Web Surfing, Security, and Privacy Online (Windows Media Player) In this informational video, Steve Gibson, an Internet Security Expert, explains on TechTV the issues of online security and privacy while surfing the web.  WATCH: Internet Security, Hacks, and Trojan Horses (Windows Media Player) In this informational video, Leo Laporte of ZDTV interviews a caller and discusses the issues of securing a computer. He also discusses ShieldsUP available through Security Expert Steve Gibson.  WATCH: Are You Protected? Find Out! Test Your System (Windows Media Player) In this informational and instructional video, Leo Laporte of ZDTV interviews Steve Gibson, an Internet Security Expert, and discusses the ShieldsUP and ProbeMyPorts Online Testing web site and the ZoneAlarm Firewall.  WATCH: Using ShieldsUP to learn how to Secure your System (Windows Media Player) In this informational and instructional video, Leo Laporte of ZDTV and Kate Botello of the ScreenSaver's show discusses the ShieldsUP Testing web site and how you should protect your system.  WATCH: Is Your Firewall doing its Job? Test it with Leak Test! (Windows Media Player) In this informational and instructional video, Leo Laporte of ZDTV interviews Steve Gibson, an Internet Security Expert, and discusses the LeakTest and NetFilter Testing programs that find out if your security is working. Tests - TEST: Check the Security of Your Computer with ShieldUP! and ProbeMyPorts TEST: Check Your Computer's Firewall with LeakTest TEST: A Privacy Analysis of Your Internet Connection Reading - READ: CyberCrime: Exploring the Dark Side of Technology - Digital Dealers READ: Fraud on the Internet. Find out how to protect yourself. READ: Latest Internet Fraud Trends, Statistics, and Hotbeds READ: Internet Fraud Preventive Measures from IFCC READ: VCU's Security Recommendations for Windows Desktop Computers READ: An Ultimate Home PC Firewall Guide READ: How You Are Being Traced Over the Internet READ: The IP Address - Your Internet Identity by Russ Smith of Consumer.Net Help - File a Complaint with the FBI's Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) If you are a victim of a crime on campus, call the VCU Police Department at (804) 828-1234.
Last Updated: Thursday, September 20, 2007| Comments