Biloce Ltd is an established retail company located in the south east of England. The company has been operating successfully for over 35 years with the late 1980s and early 1990s in particular being a period of rapid growth and expansion both in market share and profitability. The company is currently in the process of consolidating its market position and is seeking to enhance its accounting information system by the introduction of an upgraded computing network and an extensive web based e commerce facility.
The managing director of Biloce Ltd is, however, concerned that the proposed accounting information system development may introduce an unacceptable level of risk into the company’s operations. His concerns have been aroused by recent press articles and academic studies that have alluded to a dramatic growth in computer crime in the retail sector over the past 10 years. He is particularly concerned about potential exposure to computer virus infection.
Required
Prepare a brief report for the managing director of Biloce Ltd addressing his concerns. In your report you must:
§ Clearly define the term ‘computer crime’ and describe the various categories of computer crime.
§ Describe the main types of computer virus and describe risks such computer viruses present to a retail company such as Biloce Ltd.
§ Explain the possible courses of action Biloce Ltd could take to minimise risk exposure to computer crime, in particular risk exposure to computer virus infection.