Before we begin, let’s take a look at this Norton Internet Security Anti-Cybercrime video that was made to scare inexperienced internet users and spread the fear for "Cyber Criminals".
The advent of the Internet launched an entirely new platform for the committing of crimes. Crimes committed via the Internet, also known as cybercrimes, are on the rise due to the growing usage of computers and the Internet worldwide. In accordance with what we covered in class, I would like to do a brief report on cybercrime in Singapore.
A recent study released in 2010 showed that 70% of Internet users in Singapore fall victim to cyber crimes such as computer viruses, online credit card fraud and identity theft. A shocking 71% of them do not expect cyber criminals to be brought to justice. Yet, despite all these statistics, many Singaporeans still do not take active steps to solve cyber crimes due to the time taken and the costs incurred in doing so (average 24 days and $1660).
For the full article, refer to: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1080159/1/.html
Instead of finding means and ways to solve cyber-crime, why not nip the problem in the bud and take preventive measures against cyber crime? After all, prevention is indeed better than cure. In the case of Singapore, the government has implemented the Computer Misuse Act to combat cyber crimes. This Act was passed in 1993 and has been amended 5 times as of 2010, and “prohibits the obtaining of unauthorized access to computer material, modifying the contents of a computer, obtaining or intercepting any computer service or function, interfering with or obstructing the lawful use of a computer, impeding or preventing access to or impairing the usefulness or effectiveness of any computer program or data, or disclosing a password, access code, or other means of gaining access to a program or data”.
The onus is on Singaporeans to prevent (or reduce the possibility of) cyber crime. Some ways we can prevent ourselves from falling prey to cyber criminals is by becoming more aware of the ways criminals try to trick people (in the case of fraud, scams and identity theft) and install anti-virus software and firewalls to hinder unwanted entry. Consumer education with regards to defense against cyber crime is and always will be the most important and crucial step in curtailing the efforts of cyber criminals.
To know more about Singapore’s Computer Misuse Act (how it combats cyber crime, penalties etc), refer to the following 2 websites:
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