Scribd
Upload
58 views2 pages

ITL - Assignment 2

The concept of a 'computer system' has evolved from traditional desktop and laptop computers to include a wide range of interconnected devices such as smartphones, IoT devices, and networks. International conventions have broadened the definition to encompass any device capable of automatic data processing, reflecting advancements in technology and integration into daily life. This evolution necessitates robust legal frameworks to address cybersecurity challenges associated with these modern systems.

Uploaded by

Michelle Xavier
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
58 views2 pages

ITL - Assignment 2

The concept of a 'computer system' has evolved from traditional desktop and laptop computers to include a wide range of interconnected devices such as smartphones, IoT devices, and networks. International conventions have broadened the definition to encompass any device capable of automatic data processing, reflecting advancements in technology and integration into daily life. This evolution necessitates robust legal frameworks to address cybersecurity challenges associated with these modern systems.

Uploaded by

Michelle Xavier
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Given the various definitions of a computer system provided by international

conventions, discuss how the concept of a "computer system" has evolved beyond
traditional desktop and laptop computers.

The "computer system" concept has undergone a significant transformation over the years,
evolving far beyond traditional desktop and laptop computers. Historically, a computer system
referred to standalone machines designed to process data through hardware and software
components. However, international conventions such as the Council of Europe's Budapest
Convention on Cybercrime (2001) and the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and
Personal Data Protection (2014) have expanded this definition to include interconnected
devices capable of automatic data processing. This evolution reflects technological
advancements and the increasing integration of computing systems into diverse aspects of
modern life.

The Budapest Convention defines a computer system as "any device or a group of


interconnected or related devices, one or more of which, pursuant to a program, performs
automatic processing of data". This broad definition encompasses traditional computers and
modern devices such as smartphones, tablets, and networked systems. Similarly, the African
Union Convention includes "electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high-speed
data processing devices" in its scope. These definitions highlight the shift from standalone
machines to interconnected ecosystems that perform logical, arithmetic, and storage functions.

Modern examples of computer systems extend beyond personal computing devices.


Smartphones serve as multifunctional computer systems with data storage, processing, and
communication capabilities. Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smartwatches, home
appliances, and industrial sensors also qualify as computer systems because they can process
data and interact with other devices over networks. For instance, a smartwatch can monitor
health metrics (data processing), store this information (data storage), and share it with other
devices such as smartphones or cloud servers. The evolution of computer systems also reflects
advancements in networked technologies. The concept now encompasses individual devices
and groups of interconnected systems functioning together. Networks such as local area
networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the Internet itself represent large-scale
computer systems capable of exchanging vast amounts of data. These networks enable global
communication and collaboration while supporting critical infrastructure like banking,
healthcare, and transportation systems.
This expanded understanding of computer systems has significant implications for
cybersecurity and legal frameworks. As the scope of what constitutes a computer system grows,
so does the need for robust laws to address cybercrime. For instance, the Budapest Convention
criminalizes offences such as illegal access to computer systems, data interference, and misuse
of devices. These provisions ensure that emerging technologies like IoT are covered under
existing legal frameworks, safeguarding both users and critical infrastructure from malicious
activities.

In conclusion, the concept of a "computer system" has evolved from standalone desktop
machines to encompass a wide array of interconnected devices and networks. This evolution is
driven by technological advancements that integrate computing capabilities into diverse
applications ranging from personal gadgets to industrial automation systems. International
conventions have adapted their definitions to reflect this shift, emphasizing the need for
comprehensive legal frameworks to address emerging challenges in cybersecurity. Examples
like smartphones, IoT devices, and global networks illustrate how modern computer systems
have become indispensable in shaping contemporary society.

- Yana S Jacob| 1804

You might also like