technology

Computer and internet fraud entails the criminal use of a computer or the Internet and can take many different forms. While some argue that “hacking” is a neutral term (see United States v.

• COMPUTER AND INTERNET FRAUD
• fraud
• Internet Law
• internet
• TECHNOLOGY

In the context of blockchains, a consensus mechanism refers to the standard that governs the manner of adding, changing, or deleting information to or from a blockchain that is agreed upon by all its members. When there is a consensus in a blockchain, there will be a newly created block attached to the existing chain. All participants of the blockchain will receive an update regarding the new block. With a consensus mechanism, a blockchain offers transparency and security.

Convertible virtual currency (CVC) is a category of virtual currency. One subcategory of CVC is cryptocurrency. The key lies in its convertibility. Both the IRS and FinCEN have defined CVC in two dimensions: 

• CRYPTOCURRENCY

A cookie is data created by an internet server while browsing a website that is sent to a web browser. The browser stores the information in a text file, and re-sends that information to the server each time the browser accesses the server. The main purpose of a cookie is to help the server identify the browser. Websites may use cookies to identify and track users, update user preferences, or to save users previously entered information; such as names, addresses, or passwords.

Credit card fraud is a form of identity theft that involves an unauthorized taking of another’s credit card information for the purpose of charging purchases to the account or removing funds from it. Federal law, by way of 15 U.S.C. §1643, limits cardholders’ liability to $50 in the event of credit card theft, but most banks will waive this amount if the cardholder signs an affidavit explaining the theft.

Federal courts and federal governmental agencies hold the view that cryptocurrency is a subcategory of virtual currency. Yet, there is no single definition of virtual currency or cryptocurrency at this time. In fact, the term cryptocurrency may be used interchangeably with other similar terms, such as digital currency, cryptoasset, or digital asset.

• CRYPTOCURRENCY

Cybersquatting occurs when a person other than the owner of a well-known trademark registers that trademark as an Internet domain name and then attempts to profit from it.

The dark web (also referred to as the underground web) is an encrypted sector of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is only accessible with specific browsers such as TOR (The Onion Router) and special network configurations.

Data, a plural noun, are representations of factual information without context, typically reduced to a form suitable for processing. When context is applied, data become information. When information is communicated or understood, it then becomes knowledge.

According to Vermont Statute, 9 V.S.A.