What is Computer Crime?

Alternatively referred to as cyber crime, e-crime, electronic crime, or hi-tech crime, computer crime is an act commonly performed by a knowledgeable computer user, sometimes referred to as a hacker that illegally browses or steals a company's or individual's private information. In some cases, this individual or group of individuals may be malicious and destroy or otherwise corrupt the computer or data files.

Computer crime refers to any crime involves a computer and a network with the cases of using of information technology for illegal purposes or for anauthorized access of a computer system where the intent is to damage, delete or alter the data present in the computer. Even identity thefts, misusing device or electronic frauds are considered to be computer crimes. The computer may have been used in the commission of a crime, or it may be target. There is another term in computer crime which is netcrime that is refers to criminal exploitation of the Internet.