Vogon International Investigation Services

Computer Fraud and Computer Abuse

Computer Fraud

Computer Abuse

What is Computer Fraud?
Everybody has a different view of what the term computer fraud actually means. At Vogon, after many years spent examining computers and data, we take the view that computer fraud falls into two distinct categories:

1. "Conduct which involves the manipulation of a computer or computer data, by whatever method, in order to dishonestly obtain money, property or some other advantage of value, or to cause loss."

Examples:
Theft of information
The unauthorised obtaining of information from a computer (e.g. ‘hacking’, taking unauthorised copies of company records, trade secrets, etc.)

The ‘Salami’ fraud
With this type of fraud the perpetrator carefully ‘skims’ small sums from the balances of a large number of accounts in order to bypass internal controls and escape detection.

Software theft
The comparative ease of making copies of computer software has led to a huge illegal market, depriving authors of very significant revenues.

Manipulation of accounts/banking systems
Similar to a ‘Salami’ but on a much larger and usually more complex scale. Sometimes perpetrated as a ‘one-off kamikaze’ fraud.

These are but a few of the most common examples and the list is as long as the imagination of the criminal mind.

2. "Conduct which involves the use of a computer or computer data during the perpetration of a ‘traditional’ crime."

These areas are less defined but can include crimes such as murder, kidnapping, extortion and conventional ‘white collar’ crime.

Actions such as creating plans, contact lists and false documents all fall within this category where the use of the computer is incidental. However, the information it contains may be crucial to a successful prosecution.

How can Vogon help you?
Vogon’s team of Investigators are trained and experienced in all areas of computer fraud and abuse investigation. They utilise the very latest forensic tools and techniques in order to maximise the effectiveness and speed of a sound investigation. Backed by the wealth of technical expertise inherent within Vogon our Investigators can quickly and thoroughly uncover that vital piece of evidence that was thought to be destroyed.

Investigations of this nature are always sensitive and our Investigators are always mindful of the need for discretion and absolute confidentiality. We often undertake covert investigations where it is important that all on-site enquiries are carried out outside of normal working hours.

Detailed reports of our findings, accompanied by witness statements and expert testimony in court, are provided according to the client’s requirements.

For immediate assistance please visit our emergency page for a list of contact phone numbers and enquiry form. To discuss your future Computer Forensic or Computer Security requirements with one our experienced investigators please contact us by letter, phone or email.

What is Computer Abuse?
There are many definitions of Computer Abuse and it is often confused with Computer Fraud but put quite simply it is:

"The unauthorised use of, or access to, a computer for purposes contrary to the wishes of the owner of the computer or the data held thereon."

This description encompasses such actions as the unauthorised access to computer systems, the modification of programs, the manipulation or interception of data and even sabotage. See our Common Danger Signs page for more information.

Examples:
Denial of service
Where someone’s intention is to prevent another party making use of their systems, e.g. a hacker changing system access rights and subsequently locking a company out of their own accounting systems.

Pornography
This is proving to be a bigger and bigger problem area with the ease of access to pornography on the Internet. It is common for staff to abuse their company links to the Internet in order to download material of an inappropriate nature. Child pornography also frequently features in cases of this kind.

Invasion of privacy
The invasion of people’s privacy by the interception of their electronic mail, or the simple theft of their passwords or User IDs is becoming an increasingly common problem with the march towards the paperless office.

Pirated software
With the huge investments most companies put into the development of computer software nowadays, and the comparative ease of unauthorised replication, it is not surprising that this is an increasingly sensitive area.

Private use
It is not uncommon for staff to abuse their employer's trust by making use of the computer system at work for the purposes of personal gain. Cases of spouses’ businesses being run from the computer at work are common.

What Vogon can do
Using the very latest forensic hardware and software, Vogon’s Investigators can thoroughly examine complete systems at a very low level to detect signs of unauthorised use, inappropriate use of the Internet, or the manipulation of data. We will secure the computer evidence and perform the investigation without the danger of corruption or rendering it inadmissible in any potential legal action.

Typical cases have involved:

Establishing patterns of usage in order to identify a perpetrator

Tracking down unauthorised copies of documents, emails, databases, etc.

The scanning of complete company systems for signs of inappropriate use of the Internet

See our Case Studies page for more detailed examples.

Vogon offers both laboratory and on-site services to secure computer evidence. Additional information about the securing of computer evidence is available as follows: The range of expertise offered by Vogon, techniques used to secure computer evidence, and the risks and pitfalls that must be avoided.