We have watched technology grow rapidly as computers have begun to impact virtually every part of our lives. The Internet has grown from a novelty to a global network of information, communication and commerce. We have become dependent on technology - based critical infrastructures which support our everyday lives: emergency services, telecommunications, electrical and energy, banking and finance, transportation, government operations, water supply systems, and gas and oil storage and delivery. As the use of computers has grown, computer crimes of all types have also increased. With this increase and the threat of global terrorism intensifying, we must be aware of our dependency on computers and the vulnerability of our critical infrastructures.

WHAT IS THE CRIME PROBLEM AND WHAT MOTIVATES OFFENDERS?

Unauthorized intrusions into computer systems are a violation of Federal law under Title 18, United States Code, Section 1030. Computer intrusions can also constitute a threat to National Security. The threats in this new cyber world include:

• Teenage and young adult hackers out to test their "cracking" skills principally motivated by curiosity
  
• Organized crime groups or individuals seeking illicit financial gain
  
• Domestic and international terrorists who intentionally disrupt or destroy information systems
  
• Individuals or groups intent on sending a political message through disruption, disinformation or denial of service (incapacitating a system)
  
• Foreign intelligence services seeking companies' proprietary data or sensitive government information
  
• Hostile nation states utilizing "information warfare" as part of, or an alternative to, a strategic military attack
  

Any information regarding computer crimes in the Hampton Roads area, or elsewhere in eastern Virginia, should be reported to the Norfolk Division of the FBI at (757) 455-0100.