Criminal use of the Internet differs substantially from traditional computer crimes, where the technology is typically used as an instrument of financial gain (through such schemes and scams as online banking frauds), copyright infringements, or communication between members of illegal enterprises. Nowadays, a significant segment of many criminal activities is based on the Internet, which can be used at all stages of the crime commission process: planning, preparation, completion of an act, destroying or altering of evidence, preparing an alibi, or manipulating witnesses. The Internet becomes a powerful tool that is readily available, inexpensive, and easy to use. New generations of criminals consider it to be the obvious weapon to be employed in their endeavors, as it is a natural element of their environment. The ...