Computer crime, or cybercrime, is an evolving international phenomenon. People and businesses in Canada and other countries may be affected by computer crimes that may, or may not originate within the borders of their country. What is computer crime? From a Canadian perspective, the most appropriate definitions may be those contained in the Council of Europe ? Convention on Cybercrime[1] (November 23, 2001). Canada contributed, and is a signatory, to this international treaty, which defines five areas of criminal offences involving the use of computers:
Offences against the confidentiality, integrity and availability of computer data and systems;
Computer-related offences;
Content-related offences;
Offences related to infringements of copyright and related rights; and
Ancillary liability.
Canada is also a signatory to the Additional Protocol to the Convention on cybercrime[2], concerning the criminalization of acts of a racist and xenophobic nature committed through computer systems (January 28, 2003). As of July 25, 2008 Canada had not yet ratified the Convention on Cybercrime or the Additional Protocol to the Convention on cybercrime, concerning the criminalization of acts of a racist and xenophobic nature committed through computer systems.
Criminal Offences Contained in the Convention on Cybercrime (November 23, 2001)
As Canada has not yet ratified the Convention on Cybercrime its Criminal Code may not fully address the areas of criminal law set out in the Convention on Cybercrime.
Offences against the confidentiality, integrity and availability of computer data and systems
Illegal access
Illegal interception
Data interference
System interference
Misuse of devices
Computer-related offences
Computer-related forgery
Computer-related fraud
Content-related offences
Offences related to child pornography
Offences related to infringements of copyright and related rights
Ancillary liability
Attempt and aiding or abetting
Corporate liability
Criminal Offences Contained in the Additional Protocol to the Convention on Cybercrime, concerning the criminalization of acts of a racist and xenophobic nature committed through computer systems (January 28, 2003)
Section 184 of the Criminal Code of Canada [6] deals with privacy
Section 403 of the Criminal Code of Canada [7] deals with personation
Canadian Computer Criminals
Mafiaboy is the online alias of Canada's most infamous hackers
Canadian hacker group 'The Brotherhood of Warez' hacked the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's website on April 20, 1997; replacing the homepage with the message "The Media Are Liars" [8][9]
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