V - CYBERCRIMES & INTERNET THREATS

Cyber

Relating to, or involving computers or computer networks (such as the Internet).

Cybercrime

A crime in which a computer is the object of the crime (hacking, phishing, spamming, and child pornography) or is used as a tool to commit an offense.

Cybercriminals

Individuals who use computer technology to access personal information, business trade secrets, or use the internet for exploitative or malicious purposes.

Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012)

A Philippine Republic Act signed by President Aquino on September 12, 2012, addressing cybercrime.

Republic Act 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012)

Also known as the DPA; it assures the "free flow of information to promote innovation and growth" while protecting the users' fundamental rights to privacy.

Copyright

The exclusive legal right, given to an originator or an assignee to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material, and to authorize others to do the same.

Copyright Infringement

The violation, piracy or theft of a copyright holder's exclusive rights through the unauthorized use of a copyrighted material or work.

Plagiarism

An act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization and the representation of that author's work as one's own.

Computer Addiction

The excessive or compulsive use of the computer which persists despite serious negative consequences for personal, social, or occupational function.

Hacking

Unauthorized access of or interference with computer systems, servers, or other information and communication systems; or unauthorized access to corrupt, alter, steal, or destroy electronic data without the owner's knowledge and consent.

Computer-related forgery, fraud and/or identity theft

An attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details and (indirectly money), often for malicious reasons.

Electronic theft

The act of using a computer to steal money, property, or information.

Illegal Downloading

Obtaining files that you do not have the right to use from the internet.

Digital Piracy

Practice of illegally copying and selling digital music, video, computer software, etc.

Cyberbullying

The use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending a message of an intimidating or threatening nature.

Cybersex

Willful engagement, maintenance, control, or operation, directly or indirectly of any lascivious exhibition of sexual organs or sexual activity with the aid of a computer system for favor or consideration.

Child Pornography

A form of child sexual exploitation; unlawful acts punishable by Republic Act No. 9775, committed through a computer system.

Cyber Defamation

An unprivileged false statement of fact which tends to harm the reputation of a person or company.

Hacking

A term used to describe actions taken by someone to gain unauthorized access to a computer. It is the process by which cyber criminals gain access to your computer.

Malware

Short for "malicious software," it is one of the more common ways to infiltrate or damage your computer. It includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, and adware.

Pharming

A common type of online fraud and a means to point you to a malicious and illegitimate website by redirecting the legitimate URL. Even if the URL is entered correctly, it can still be redirected to a fake website.

Phishing

Fake emails, text messages and websites created to look like they're from authentic companies. They're sent by criminals to steal personal and financial information from you. This is also known as “spoofing”.

Ransomware

A type of malware that restricts access to your computer or your files and displays a message that demands payment in order for the restriction to be removed.

Spam

One of the more common methods of both sending information out and collecting it from unsuspecting people; the mass distribution of unsolicited messages, advertising or pornography.

Spyware (and Adware)

Software that collects personal information about you without you knowing. They often come in the form of a ‘free' download and are installed automatically with or without your consent.

Trojan Horses

A malicious program that is disguised as, or embedded within, legitimate software. It is an executable file that will install itself and run automatically once it's downloaded.

Viruses

Malicious computer programs that are often sent as an email attachment or a download with the intent of infecting your computer and your contact list.

Wi-Fi Eavesdropping

Virtual “listening in” on information that's shared over an unsecure (not encrypted) WiFi network to capture personal information including logins and passwords.

Worms

Unlike a virus, it goes to work on its own without attaching itself to files or programs. It lives in your computer memory, doesn't damage or alter the hard drive, and propagates by sending itself to other computers in a network.