Combating Cyberwrong

Image credit: www.net-security.org

Thou shalt not steal. The wisdom of the 7th commandment in Exodus remains a truism since the Biblical times. But up to now in this information age, human propensity to covet and get greedy seems to withstand the test of time. Now with the aid of technology, the ability to deceive, defraud, nay to steal, even becomes more efficient and expanded onto a wider scale. Today's generation has witnessed the dawn of cyberwrong.

Cybercrime, or crimes involving computers and information technology, is a real problem nowadays. Netcrime refers to a specific type of criminal exploitation in which the venue is the internet. (1) Computer crimes include credential theft, pay-per-install, and pay-per-click. (2) And now this has evolved into more serious offenses against national security like espionage.

This new breed of "wrongs" has now developed into a bigger problem in the Philippines. We have 22 million Facebook users, and online communication and surfing are activities that the sociable Pinoy enjoys doing. With more use comes more doors for organized cybercriminals and like malicious-minded predators to tap. Their most vulnerable target is: the uninformed.

Image credit: www.cartoonstock.com

My take on this topic is that our laws should be responsive and proactive in combating cybercrime. Computer and network experts must be employed to render technical services. Information dissemination and awareness campaign programs against cybercrime will also help a great deal to prevent it. This way, the ordinary Netizen can enjoy more the blessings (and not the curse) of technology without fear or worry.

Richmund C. Sta. Lucia, Post #15

Sources:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_crime

2. http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20110227-322595/Cybercriminals-prey-on-the-uninformed