Category Archives: Uncategorized

Internet harassment

What is Spam? Can it be stopped?

What is spam? Spam is spreading or sending different copies of the same message to many people as a way to coerce them into taking a lot of these unsolicited messages with the expectation that they might be interested in a specific product or service. Spam is mostly used as a means of promoting things for commercial purposes. They are often used for get rich schemes, services that might seem legal but are illegal in nature etc. Continue reading

Ensuring privacy online

Combating Threats to Online Privacy in the 21st Century

It is very difficult to guarantee one’s privacy on the Internet, due to the fact that the World Wide Web is a space which is very difficult to regulate. There are no universal laws which are in existence to protect the online privacy of individuals. There are also numerous threats that are out there which make it extremely hard for “netizens” to keep their sensitive personal information and browsing histories from falling into the wrong hands. The following are some the measures that can be employed by individuals to ensure that these precious nuggets of information are kept private: Continue reading

online safety strategy

A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety for Kids

Kids are probably the most vulnerable users of the Internet. They are frequently preyed upon by many people because they are not mature enough to protect themselves as effectively as the average adult is able to. Protecting them from being abused or violated demands that their parents, guardians, or siblings are extremely vigilant in monitoring the activities in which they engage when online. It also requires that the adults directly responsible for their care and protection, educate them on what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior on the World Wide Web. Due to the fact that children hold the key to the future, Internet safety for kids is extremely important. Continue reading

personal online safety

5 Internet Safety Tips that Everyone should Follow

The Internet plays a very big role in the lives of billions of people in the United States and many other countries around the globe. With each passing year, it appears that more people are spending more of their time online as they enjoy all of the exciting opportunities and activities that the World Wide Web puts at their fingertips. While the benefits of Internet access are undeniable, there are a few negative aspects associated with life in this virtual domain that cannot be overlooked. The threats posed to the personal security and financial resources of Web users are among the factors which prompt the formulation and adherence to various lists of Internet safety tips. Continue reading

Security on the Web

Combating Modern Threats to Website Security

Websites are the locations that people visit when they venture on to the Internet. They are virtual spaces where masses of people can congregate to communicate, shop, or engage in a host of other activities. Increasingly, many websites are coming under attack from a wide variety of threats which are floating around on the World Wide Web. These dangers include malicious programs that can damage or destroy the information which is stored on the various servers that support them. They also include the hazards posed to the integrity of data and network infrastructure by hackers. The aforementioned threats and a wide range of other potential dangers have pushed the issue of website security to the fore. Continue reading

illegal surveillance

Electronic Surveillance Act to Protect your Privacy

Electronic surveillance involves the use of an electronic device to monitor an individual’s activities.  Unwarranted surveillance can be said to violate the person’s fourth amendment rights. It may include the use of a ‘bug’ which is a small microphone typically attached to the victim’s phone or telephone line. This is considered wire-tapping.  It may also take the form of video surveillance or monitoring online activities. Any legal entity that seeks surveillance must apply and receive a warrant before they can begin.  There is no legislation referred to specifically as electronic surveillance act, however, there are laws pertaining to surveillance in many forms including electronic. Continue reading

Internet safety tips

Cyberstalking statistics- What you need to know about stalking

Cyberstalking statistics indicate that cyber bullying and cyberstalking is becoming increasingly popular.  The use of the Internet and electronic devices makes it easier to carry out this crime without much physical effort form the perpetrator. As opposed to stalking, that involved following an individual among other monitoring activities, the cyber stalker now follows the individual by showing up on different social media sites that the victim is a part of, sending multiple emails and instant messages and seeking to gain personal information. The culprit may even post embarrassing pictures and videos obtained by legal or illegal means, post false information or accusations all in an effort to damage the person’s reputation. As a result of the nature of the Internet, this information is disseminated quickly. Continue reading

federal laws against stalking online

Online Stalking Statistics and How to Identify Cyberstalking

In recent years, stalking has evolved from the traditional expressions of obsession, which involved, following, monitoring, harassing the victim and attempts at intimidation. Now the act can be performed through the Internet and is, therefore, referred to as cyber stalking when adults are involved and cyber bullying for children.

Recent online stalking statistics indicate that approximately 52% of the nation’s students are being bullied online. This type of stalking takes the form of attempts at damaging the victim’s reputation by posting negative information about them on social media sites. These online communities are generally large, therefore, the information spreads quickly to a large number of individuals. Many children are unable to handle this type of abuse and often times embarrassment, hence there have been incidents children committing suicide as a result of this abuse. Social network stalking, and should be addressed as soon as it is identified, especially when children are involved. Continue reading

Stalking behavior over the Internet

Federal stalking laws in the US

California was the first state to enact laws in relation to stalking in 1990. It was also the first state in 1999 to enact cyberstalking laws. Since then there are many other states that have followed suit, but not all. USA Federal stalking laws consider it a federal crime with punishment of years in prison and payment of a fine. Many of the state laws have been enacted as a result of an unfortunate ending to a cyber stalking event. Stalking is generally an obsessive behavior, which include repeated following, phoning, making threats. The intent of the stalker is to intimidate the victim. Continue reading

personal information

411 on Cyberstalking laws

In recent years, many crimes have been perpetrated over the Internet, crimes that have become even easier to get away with because of this technology. Identity theft and other methods of fraud are becoming increasingly popular and so is cyberstalking, making cyberstalking laws necessary.

This obsessive behavior is also called cyber bullying. The means of stalking may be done either electronically or through the use of the Internet. There is only a slight difference in the use of the terms. Cyber bullying, usually akin to bullying that takes place in schools, is usually used when referring to children, while cyber stalking refers to that perpetrated by and against adults. Continue reading