Résumé
This paper has adopted the term netcrime, defined here as ‘criminal or otherwise malicious activity utilising or directed towards the Internet and/or information technology applications’. This definition extends beyond desktop or laptop computers, embracing all forms of networked device (e.g. hand-held computers of various forms and networked domestic appliances). It is also assumed that most criminal activity will involve such devices being connected to a Local or Wide Area Network, the Internet or a public telecommunications network. The terms computer, network and system will be used interchangeably throughout the report. The term hi-tech crime has been rejected as this could include technology developments outside the scope of networked information technology such as nanotechnology or bioengineering. The subject of information and communication technology (ICT) related crime and abuse is increasingly topical, both in the media and government. This research coincides with the publishing of e-crime and information assurance initiatives by the Home Office (to which it has contributed) and the Central Sponsor for Information Assurance. In looking to the future, other relevant programmes include the Department for Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) Cyber trust and Crime Prevention Project, which is part of the ongoing Foresight futures research programme. The intention of undertaking this research was to play a part in the strategic development of UK information assurance, through its contribution to informing the Home Office e-crime strategy, and to inform policy makers and practitioners, pulling together diverse information assurance measures into a single, if summary, document.