In today's world, not a day goes by without someone being affected by cybercrime or cyberterrorism that go hand in hand. It is important for government and businesses to constantly stay up to date with the latest technologies to help prevent a cyber attack. It is also important for law enforcement to be up to date with the latest technology to not only prevent a cyber attack, but to quickly prosecute those behind such an attack. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay IntroductionThe computer that we all know and use today most likely began with the invention of the "Manchester Baby" in 1948. The Manchester Baby was the first computer to use stored programs. The idea of ​​the computer that we know today began well before the Manchester Baby and some even argue that it began with the abacus. The idea behind computers was that they could automate functions that required numbers, similar to a calculator. No one in 1948 would have imagined that in 2019 computers would be small enough to fit in someone's pocket, but smart and powerful enough to book a flight, provide directions, handle banking and be used as a telephone. Those who imagined that computers could do all this, and those who made them do all this, most likely imagined that criminals would exploit them for criminal enterprises. Unfortunately this is where we find ourselves today. Arguably, computers rule the world and our daily lives. We can't live without them and we hate when they fail or are used for criminal purposes. Cyberterrorism has now become a household term because of computers. As defined by Dictionary.com (2019), cyberterrorism is a cyberattack aimed at disabling vital information systems in order to intimidate, coerce, or harm a government or population. Individuals who practice cyber terrorism are referred to as cyber terrorists or hackers. One of the biggest crimes committed by cyberterrorists is identity theft. In 1940 a person would never have thought that a criminal would eventually steal their identity. Now, 73 years later, identity theft is rampant across the nation. As defined by Dictonary.Com (2013), identity theft is the fraudulent appropriation and use of someone's identifying or personal information or documents, such as a credit card. In 2012, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) intercepted fraudulent tax refunds totaling $20 billion. In 2011, however, the total was 14 billion dollars. In today's society, almost everyone is aware of identity theft, yet they continue to walk around unprotected. Individuals, as well as society, have a responsibility to avoid ignoring identity theft and how it works. Excuses such as indifference, inability to pay for protection, or lack of understanding of the technology involved are not excusable when the information is readily available. Of course, from person to person, failure to protect against identity theft varies. If a person has very poor credit, they may believe they are immune to identity theft. Of course, identity theft is not based on credit, identity theft begins with the discovery phase. According to Albrecht, C., Albrecht, C., and Tzafrir, S. (2011), “Discovery is the first step in the identity theft cycle because all other actions taken by the offender depend on accuracy and effectiveness of the discovery phase". So, in truth, the thieves ofidentities begin with people who do not know they are vulnerable and regardless of credit. Offenders go to extremes, rummaging through garbage cans, tampering with an ATM, and writing down your credit card number to steal your identity and hard-earned money. Having the wrong attitude will put the individual into a false sense of security and with this type of attitude will make them an easier target for identity theft. Over the last 73 years there has been a substantial increase in the cost of living. In 1940, the cost of a new home was 3,920.00, and the average American salary was only 1,725.00 per year. Americans' average annual salary has increased, but not at a fast enough pace to keep up with the ever-changing cost of living. One study found that the average American would only be willing to pay an $87 identity protection fee if there was a 75% reduction in identity theft cases. With penny budgeting uppermost in people's minds, there isn't much, if any, room for frivolous spending, especially living on a fixed income. Living on a fixed income generally means budgeting to the penny with no room for error. Living on a fixed income seems like something reserved only for seniors, people living on federal or state assistance also fall under this heading. How can people afford to pay for identity protection when they have trouble meeting basic living expenses, as well as budgeting? Since identity theft is out of control, it should be a free for all. Most people have a legitimate reason to refrain from paying for identity protection. With the national debt rising every day, the cost of protecting your identity can be high. In the United States alone there are 46.2 million people in poverty with a poverty rate of 15%. Therefore, if identity theft protection costs too much, there are many people who cannot afford to pay it. An example of this concept is very similar to insuring a vehicle where the price of insurance is often higher based on the age of the driver and with the cost of living ever increasing it makes it much more difficult to afford the cost. of protection against identity theft when people struggle to meet basic living needs. On the other hand, you can always try to protect yourself instead of paying a company to protect your identity. You could always be more careful about what you are doing with your personal assets, financial and otherwise. There are several strategies people can adopt, whether on a fixed income or not, that will make them less susceptible to identity theft. For example, destroying important identity documents can reduce risk. If there are important digital legal documents, store them on a laptop drive because in the event of a cyber attack, thieves will steal this information directly from the computer. Perhaps the most common form of identity theft is theft via credit card and other prepaid methods. Identity thieves can activate prepaid credit cards and other forms of credit such as catalogs where you can order household items and pay later. Using the prepaid technique it is very difficult to prove that you did not order the items or charge the credit card. Likewise, technology has now played a critical role in preventing identity theft, but technology itself can be a double-edged sword, and technology that can help you can hurt you just as easily. Meanwhile, one of the most recent innovations in the field of identity theft has been the Internet. Try to.