Online Security and Cybercrime Law

Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 will be enacted today, October 3, which aims to protects netizens.

(F.Y.I.: The Senators who voted for this are: Senators Sotto, Revilla, Lapid, Villar, Pimentel, Estrada, Legarda, Escudero, Lacson, Honasan, Cayetano, Recto and Marcos.)

The common cybercrimes committed are the following: 
1. Child pornography
2. Harassment or cyberbullying 
3. Trafficking, distribution, posting and dissemination of obscene materials 
4. Violation of Privacy
5. Computer vandalism (like transmission of harmful programmes)
6. Cyberterrorism
7. Cracking

Would  you wait to be a victim to try to understand? The law has its good points however like any other law passed, it has its loopholes and needed to be amended.

Watch this video.(Click link below)
  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7pYHN9iC9I&feature=player_embedded


 Scary huh?

So be careful when you go online. Protect yourself by following these suggestions from Oracle Think Quest:

1. Do not let them know your out of town or your location 
    (that's why i don't use Four Square or a FB status that say's "shared 5 minutes ago in Tutuban, Divisoria)

2. Do no auto-connect to open wi-fi

3. Do not keep passwords in your computer (try changing them every now and then if you're not forget because I am forgetful hehehe)

4. Have a virus protection, spyware detector and firewall installed.

5. Do not open an email if you are not sure about it.

6. Make a back up of important files. (I don't think online storage is reliable too)

7. Update the security and privacy settings of your social media accounts. (For Facebook users, add friends that are close to you only. I know some people who just keep confirming friend requests because they're after the NUMBER of friends they have. Ow, come on! From you 1, 765 FB friends how may are your true friends?)

8. Be wary of websites that require your personal information. Verify first.

9. Do not believe everything you read/see online. (Verify again. Don't be so gullible!)

10. Take your time. Do not rush into things.

Cyberspace has become a parallel world to us. What's happening in the real world could and has been happening here. If the government can't protect you, protect yourself. Be a responsible netizen.