THREE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS REGARDING------- "computer crimes, hackers, crackers, and ethics: how is computing and information-technology crime different or not different from "normal" crime?"

Computer crime can be committed from sites extremely removed from the victims.

Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "computer crime" to get these possible sources:

http://www.rbs2.com/ccrime.htm
http://www.crime-research.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_crime
http://www.qlinks.net/quicklinks/comcrime.htm

You can do similar searches for your other key words. I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.

Computer crimes, hackers, crackers, and ethics are all important topics within the field of computing and information technology. Understanding how computer crime differs from "normal" crime requires knowledge about the nature of computer crimes and the unique aspects they present. To answer your question, let's break it down into three parts:

1. How is computing and information technology crime different from "normal" crime?
To understand this, we need to consider the distinctive characteristics of computer crimes. Computer crimes involve the use of computers or other computerized devices to commit illegal activities. These activities can include hacking into computer systems, stealing sensitive information, spreading malware, conducting financial fraud, and many others.

Unlike "normal" crimes, such as theft or assault, computer crimes are generally committed remotely. Perpetrators can be located in different geographic locations and can carry out their actions without physically being near their victims. This anonymity and distance make it more difficult to trace and apprehend the offenders, often requiring specialized investigation techniques and international cooperation.

2. What is the difference between hackers and crackers?
The terms "hacker" and "cracker" are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction between them. A hacker is someone who explores and experiments with computer systems, often seeking to understand and improve their functionality. Hackers can be classified into two types: white hat hackers, who use their skills for ethical purposes like improving security, and black hat hackers, who engage in illegal activities.

On the other hand, crackers, sometimes referred to as black hat hackers or malicious hackers, are individuals who use their skills to bypass computer security systems, break into networks, and exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain. Crackers are generally associated with committing computer crimes and engaging in unauthorized activities, such as stealing data or disrupting systems.

3. What role does ethics play in computer crimes?
Ethics are crucial in the context of computer crimes. Computing professionals, like any other professionals, are expected to adhere to ethical standards and principles. Ethical considerations include issues such as respecting privacy, protecting sensitive information, practicing responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities, and conducting themselves in an honest and truthful manner.

Computer crimes often involve ethical dilemmas. Individuals who engage in illegal activities such as hacking, cracking, or spreading malware violate ethical principles and can cause significant harm to individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. Understanding and adhering to ethical guidelines is vital in preventing and combating computer crimes.

To further explore these topics, you can refer to the sources I found through a basic Google search. They provide more in-depth information, case studies, and examples related to computer crimes, hackers, crackers, and ethics.