Given the situation, there have been some attempts on the part of the government to spread awareness of computer crime, but not on a mass scale. It will be possible to spread awareness of computer forensics only after consciousness about computer crimes increase. The attempt should be two pronged – to dissipate ignorance – and to clear misconceptions. It is no point talking of what comes after the crime to people who do not even know what a crime is. This makes life much harder for computer forensics specialists, as they have to deal with clients who get the evidence tampered and covered without any idea of what they are doing. Online crimes have shaken the UK repeatedly during the past three years, but most home users still do not update their antiviruses. Very few companies have security measures in place, and in the lack of a comprehensive and forceful application of data protection laws, will probably continue being callous, bringing down a lot of misery on themselves and their clients.
Government Enterprise
Below is a list of government concerns that deal with computer crimes:
- The local police force: According to the Home Office, all computer crimes should first be lodged with the local police force, who should be equipped either to deal with it, or pass it on to the appropriate higher authority.
- SOCA: Serious and Organised Crime Agency is the body to which the former computer crime investigative wing, National High Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU) now belongs.
- CEOP: Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre tries to capture online child sexual exploiters and spread awareness among children. They even have an offline campaign.
- CESG: Communications Electronics Security Group is in charge of IT and communications safety for UK government agencies, including the armed forces.
- NISCC: National Infrastructure Security Coordination Centre works on risk reduction for and safe information sharing among government departments.
- Others: The home office has a computer crime policy team and the DTI conducts the aforesaid survey; the cabinet has the Central Sponsor for Information Assurance who are running the public awareness campaigns like Get Safe Online, and IT safe.
Computer Forensics and Corporate Houses – the Pros and Cons
With so many bodies to report to, how many of the computer crimes actually get reported every year by corporate houses? Unfortunately, we can see only the tip of the iceberg so far. Most companies are scared to report as they fear public backlash, media firing, client dispersal, and some gleeful comments from rival groups. Just like crime, justice too travels very fast on the internet, and the clients may come to know of the fiasco sooner than the company expects. This has happened to several gigantic concerns in the recent past, and it is hoped that all other companies would learn through their folly. Companies are scared about calling in data recovery professionals as they fear the safety of their data in the hands of the rescuers, and much the same reason is given when it comes to forensics experts too. One can always take the extra precaution of choosing a really reliable company and paying them well enough where high volumes of data have been compromised, and the trail is getting colder every second. It is the duty of a business house to locate and employ proper investigators when so many other people’s labours are at stake, and they have to find a way to do it.
