Data diddling

{{Short description|Alteration of input in a computer system, often for fraud}}

Data diddling is a type of cybercrime in which data is altered as it is entered into a computer system,{{Cite journal|last=Romney|first=Marshall|date=1995|title=Computer fraud--what can be done about it?|journal=CPA Journal|volume=65|pages=30}} most often by a data entry clerk or a computer virus.{{cite web |url=https://www.digit.in/technology-guides/fasttrack-to-cyber-crime/the-12-types-of-cyber-crime.html |title=The 12 types of Cyber Crime |website=Digit |accessdate=October 1, 2018}} Computerized processing of the altered data results in a fraudulent benefit. In some cases, the altered data is changed back after processing to conceal the activity.{{cite book |first=Donn B. |last=Parker |url=https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/118214NCJRS.pdf |title=Computer Crime: Criminal Justice Resource Manual |edition=2nd |publisher=National Institute of Justice |year=1989 |pages=12–13}}{{cite book |title=Computer Crime |first1=Monique |last1=Hébert |first2=Marilyn |last2=Pilon |publisher=Law and Government Division, Library of Parliament |year=1991 |url=http://www.res.parl.gc.ca/Content/LOP/ResearchPublicationsArchive/bp1000/bp87-e.asp }}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The results can be huge. They might include adjusting financial figures up or down marginally, or it could be more complex and make an entire system unusable.{{Cite web|url=https://www.silverbug.it/blog/10-types-of-cyber-crimes...-and-another-10-youve-never-heard-of|title=10 Types Of Cyber Crimes... And Another 10 You’ve Never Heard Of|last=Silverbug|website=www.silverbug.it|language=en-gb|access-date=2019-04-25}}