Combating E-crime
The Age
Saturday April 5, 2008
WAR has been declared on cyber bandits hellbent on sending computer networks large and small - not to mention entire countries - into meltdown.
These infiltrators are no mere hackers: they use highly sophisticated technology that requires organisations to turn to special training programs to detect system-wrecking invasions.Estonia had a wake-up call in 2006 when ethnic Russians launched a massive attack on the country's computer network aimed at crippling its emergency services, an assault that was seen as the world's first shot fired in a cyber war. It prompted Estonia to create a sophisticated cyber-defence school run by experts drawn from NATO member countries.The main categories of computer crime include unauthorised access, commercially motivated crime, obscene material, denial-of-service attacks and spreading viruses.Holmesglen Institute of TAFE has been running its successful graduate certificate in computer crime investigation through an educational partnership with the Victoria Police computer crime squad since 2005 to address the growing impact of digital technology used for criminal purposes.Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon says high-tech crime has significant effects, both at home and at work."The course has been developed in direct response to the need to enhance investigative capabilities within the private sector, regulatory bodies and law-enforcement agencies," Ms Nixon says."It provides for comprehensive learning to those embracing the use of technology and contributes to a safer and more secure online environment in Victoria."The catalyst for the course, says Helen Symmonds, who manages Holmesglen's special projects section, came from an earlier course on fraud control. "It seemed logical to approach Victoria Police, the industry experts, with the idea and a proposal that the course could be developed and delivered jointly via the computer crime squad."Reasons for doing the course vary, says Ms Symmonds. "Some want to change direction and others, such as those already employed in business/IT security, fraud control or law enforcement, are looking to upgrade their skills for promotion or specialisation."Most large companies have risk management departments where they employ computer crime experts."As a nationally accredited graduate certificate program, recognised internationally, the course can be completed part-time in nine months through weekly lectures with hands-on learning in small classes of fewer than 20. Students attend laboratory workshops. All applicants are screened to ensure that they have no criminal record.The program is open to those with an undergraduate degree or diploma from a recognised university or with a minimum of four years' relevant industry experience.Graduates will be able to use information and communication technology to profile a computer criminal/misuser, understand the origin, nature and scope of computer crime and conduct a computer crime investigation.Only four women have signed up since the program began - a response Ms Symmonds says could be due to the male domination of the industry.She sees the course as an introduction to the area of computer crime investigation. "People with the right skills will have a lot of potential for gaining work in this area and those with the appropriate skills will be valued."Courses in the e-crime-related area of forensics are also offered by the University of Melbourne (graduate certificate in forensics), Canberra Institute of Technology (advanced diploma of computer forensics) and Macquarie University (graduate diploma in computer forensics). Call 9564 1731 for more information on the Holmesglen e-crime course.
© 2008 The Age