Computer Fraud Word Search
Summary
The number of computer fraud and abuse techniques that exist is a staggering figure. This activity combines gaming theory with a short answer/matching, drill and practice activity to help students learn about the different types of computer fraud. It also has student classify each type of computer fraud as a computer attack, a social engineering method, malware, or some combination of the three.
Learning Goals
- To understand how vulnerable computer systems are to fraud.
- To understand the pervasiveness of computer fraud in terms of computer attacks, malware, and social engineering.
- To identify each type of fraud as a computer attack, a social engineering method, or malware.
Higher Order Thinking Skills: Comprehension and analysis.
Context for Use
The Fraud Word Search could also be used in introductory computer or forensic accounting courses as well.
Description and Teaching Materials
- Computer Fraud Word Search Student Worksheet Student Handout for Computer Fraud Word Search Activity (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 25kB Nov3 10)
- Computer Fraud Word Search Solution Computer Fraud Word Search Solution for Instructors (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 32kB Nov3 10)
Teaching Notes and Tips
When implemented as a lecture enhanced activity, students are only given the word search segment of the worksheet. The short answer items are presented to the class as a PowerPoint presentation. Students are asked to identify the correct terms for the definitions provided on each slide. Students are also asked to classify each term as a computer attack, a social engineering method, or malware. However, these classifications are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, a social engineering method could be used to orchestrate a computer attack.
Note: During fall semester, this activity is usually used near the end of October. As a result, a number of Halloween-related terms also appear in the word search. Students generally find this feature humorous.
Assessment
Students are also tested on these concepts on a unit examination.