Computer Security for Identity Fraud Investigations
Judith M. Collins · 2012
This chapter discusses how crime investigators need to keep their computers secure for identity fraud investigation. Investigators can use antivirus software that detects and eradicates viruses, which are simply software programs. Viruses destroy or otherwise compromise the computer operating system or data stored on a computer's hard drive. E-mail is a major means of communication for individuals and businesses. Depending on the distance it travels, an e-mail message may be routed through dozens or even hundreds of servers. A cookie is a piece of data that is stored in a computer's browser the first time it visits a Website. When returning at a later time to that Web site, the cookie activates and recalls from the previous visit the pages that were viewed or information that was typed into the textboxes on that Web site.