Introduction
The open educational resources (OER) addresses the pressing need for understanding and combating computer crime in an increasingly digital world. As technology integrates into everyday life, it also opens avenues for abuse and criminal activity, making cyberspace a critical area for criminal justice and criminological research. This text explores the multifaceted approach required to address these issues, focusing on the roles of government bodies, international organizations, and regulatory frameworks in constructing a secure digital environment.
One foundational concept explored in the book is Larry Lessig’s “modes of regulation” model, which suggests that cyberspace can be better controlled by manipulating its underlying “code.” Lessig identifies four regulatory dimensions—law, market, norms, and code—that can create a balanced system for self-regulation and compliance. This theory, often summarized as “Code is law,” aligns digital code with legal code, framing it as a tool to enforce behaviors and values within cyberspace. By building security protocols into digital architecture, it’s suggested that digital environments can be shaped to foster safer interactions and deter misuse.
Despite these theoretical advancements, the practical implementation of cybersecurity strategies has been inconsistent. The OER critiques the U.S. government’s National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace (2003), which heavily relies on private industries to prevent computer crime. This reliance, it argues, fosters a system of “digital gated communities,” where private entities erect digital barriers to protect their interests, potentially at odds with the free and open nature of the internet. This approach raises questions about equity and access, as wealthier institutions can afford stronger defenses, while the public internet becomes fragmented.
The OER also considers the limitations of law enforcement’s current response to computer crime. With many police departments prioritizing violent crime and community policing, resources for addressing digital crimes remain minimal. Larger cities may have specialized computer crime units, but smaller departments lack the training and resources to address these offenses effectively. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of public awareness and the high costs of specialized training, resulting in a fragmented and inconsistent approach to digital crime across jurisdictions.
Ultimately, the OER calls for a reevaluation of cybercrime prevention strategies, advocating for a balanced collaboration between legal, technological, and criminological frameworks. It emphasizes the importance of public and private cooperation, coupled with an architectural redesign of cyberspace that aligns with ethical and social principles to secure the digital future.
