As technological advancement in computer science and its applications continue to advance, it is almost certain that the criminal mind will be captivated by the power of the net and will use this power for evil deeds. Nine-Eleven has made the entire world aware of the threat of terrorism. The ability for terrorists to effectively commit acts of terror has increased because of technology and computers. For one, they can keep their organization together through quick and easy communication that is available via the internet. Websites about famous buildings and landmarks have enabled terrorist to formulate strategic plans of attack against these locations. The advancement in weapons technology has also allowed terrorist and hostile warring countries to inflict catastrophic destructions on other countries, by the use of computerized missiles, delivering explosives, and of late, hazardous weapons of mass destruction, including chemical warfare. Websites featuring excerpts from the Anarchist Cookbook have allowed terrorist to make homemade explosives that impossible to trace, because they are made of household products, like bleach and fertilizer.
Technology and computers have also created a different avenue for criminals all over the world. Sites like the online auction website, Ebay, have enabled thieves to fence their stolen merchandise online. The chances of the police catching these crooks seem to be unlikely. Everything from stolen stereos to computers is being fenced online. People have no way of knowing if what they are buying is stolen or not. Computers have given child molesters as well as rapists better opportunities to lure prey. In online chatting, anyone can be anyone. Who is to say if 12 year old Susie is really chatting with 13 year old Janie, or if the person at the end of that key board is a 45 year-old sex degenerate? Technology has enabled criminals the world over to have better tools to commit the big score. Criminals can go online to the World Wide Web and log onto a locksmith site, where they can purchase master keys to pad locks, electronic lock picks and even slim jims to open locked cars. Before the recent advancement in computers and technology, and access to a web of people with questionable intent, equipment like this was harder to acquire, and accountability more open. Now all you need now is a PC, ISP and a credit card. Then you are in business to steal.
Technology and computers will continue to advance every day, and that is great. Hopefully we will find ways to accomplish what now seems impossible, like assimilating data that will lead to a cure for diseases, like cancer, that strike young and old, ravaging without mercy. Misuse of technology is certain to occur, but against such advances that open the way to obliterate deadly disease, it may seem unimportant. Mother Nature may be a cruel and indiscriminate killer, but it is perceivable that she can only be undone by man, who with the use of technology can create enough devastation and destructive to destroy civilization. With this knowledge, it becomes of paramount importance to look to the positive accomplishments for technology, and monitor the corruption that is sure to lurk in the shadows of that which we in an open culture hold dear, our freedom to pursue knowledge and exchange of ideas, for the advancement of society. The battle of good against evil has been around since the beginning of time, and it is naive to think that it will not continue until the end of time. It is in the balance of power between these two foes that achievement shall continue and life shall flourish.