The computer whiz links up with a private computer system through a modem - a device used to 'link up' computers over telephone lines so that they can 'talk' to each other. A user name and password are promptly typed in and then instantly logs onto the host system. The computer whiz has managed to 'hack' into the private system. Unless he or she has a paid membership, this action is illegal and is considered a 'computer crime'. A computer crime can be defined as "the destruction, theft, or unauthorized or illegal use, modification, or copying of information, programs, services, equipment (hardware), or communications networks."[1] This research paper will deal with five types of computer crime - hacking, phreaking, carding, computer virus and computer piracy. All pertinent parts of the Act and Criminal Code of Canada will be outlined, including the punishment.

Hacking is the "misuse of a computer to illegally access private computer networks."[2] Hacker

All the crimes mentioned above are dealt with in the Criminal Code of Canada. In Section 322 (1)(a), under the heading Theft, a hacker can be charged for the theft of information. Furthermore, in Section 342.1, under the heading Unauthorized Use of Computer, the hacker can be charged for accessing and using the host system without authorization. This crime can be punishable on an indicted or summary conviction. Under Section 536 (2), the court decides whether or not the offense is serious. If the crime is serious, the person is guilty of an indictable offense. He or she is liable for a prison term up to ten years. The court may decide the person is guilty of a summary conviction. According to Section 787 (1), he or she is liable for a fine up to two thousand dollars or imprisonment for six months, or both. Finally, in Section 430 (1.1), under the heading Mischief, anyone destroys or alters data making it useless, meaningless or ineffective, can be convicted of an indictable or summary offense. According to Section 430 (5), he or she faces imprisonment up to ten years for an indictable offense, or a summary conviction with the same punishment as mentioned before.

They decide whether the offense is indictable or a summary. If the offense is serious then the person is guilty of an indictable offense and is subjected to greater punishments. Consequently, with the rapid change in computer technology, the emergence of new computer crimes is inevitable. However, the ever present rule of law will always stay intact.

Purple Box : Makes all calls made out from the house seem to be local calls.

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Approximate Word count = 2182
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)