Cybercrime: A Revolution in Terrorism and Criminal Behavior Creates Change in the Criminal Justice System

Introduction 

The internet has revolutionized how individuals interact with each other. After four years of the Internet, fifty million people are connected to this global network. It took the radio thirty-eight years to reach fifty million users, and a mere sixteen years for the computer to reach fifty million users. The popularity of the Internet is growing exponentially (Gaines, 2007) . 

A new strain of crime has developed through the invention of the computer and Internet: cybercrime. Cybercrime is when criminals use computers or networks as a tool, place, or target for criminal activity and behavior. The development of cybercrime has affected law enforcement agencies and society. Enforcement has led to the creation of laws, policies, and legislature. Law enforcement agencies must vigorously fight and prevent cybercrime in order to help create a safer society. 

Origin and History of Cybercrime 

The origins of cybercrime can be traced back to the days without Microsoft Windows, the Internet, or even the Personal Computer. Stewart Nelson, a student at MIT, used the university’s computer to generate the tones needed to access their long distance phone service. Over the years, cybercrime and all of its auxiliaries have grown in complexity, danger, and risk.
The term “hacking” became popular and mainstream in 1970 with the creation of the first personal computer, the Altair 8800. The computer came disassembled in a kit, the user had to build not only the computer, but write the software too. The Altair 8800 created the “hacker”, as it enabled them to own a computer and learn to program (Shinder, 2002).