In recent years, a number of surveys have indicated a significant escalatio
n in reported incidents of computer crime and abuse. This rise is coupled w
ith increasing attention to the issue in the mass media, which has the effe
ct of heightening public perceptions of problems with IT and may represent
a barrier to the adoption of technologies such as the Internet and World Wi
de Web.
This paper considers the effects of computer crime and draws upon the resul
ts of a survey conducted to assess public attitudes and awareness of the is
sue. With the mass media playing an important role in shaping individual op
inions, this survey considered the effect that the reporting of incidents h
as upon public perceptions and understanding of computer crime and abuse.
The survey results show that individual awareness of computer crime and abu
se is high and that che majority of respondents perceive it to be a problem
. However, the views expressed regarding the seriousness of the different t
ypes of abuse (and the potential motivations for them) were more variable.
In addition, awareness of abuse is more widespread than knowledge of the as
sociated legislation that may be used to prevent and punish it. The results
also revealed the significant potential for media reports to influence opi
nions in this area, highlighting the importance of a responsible attitude i
n order to foster the information society.