| Welcome to our special edition 'Online Safety' e-newsletter |
With the expansion of the internet also comes 'cyber-crime' - a very new, but advancing crime often committed at the expense of the average internet user.
To protect our customers and our network, we have a dedicated Internet Safety and Abuse Management Team that works around the clock to investigate and take action on the reports we receive. The team also provides advice and guidance about internet abuse to the Customer and Technology Services teams, who take telephone calls and emails from our customers everyday. To help you avoid being the victim of cyber-crime, we have compiled the following guide to outline what 'cyber-crime' is and what you can do to avoid it.
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| Copyright infringement |
What is it?
Copyright infringement is, for example, when someone uses a programme like BitTorrent, Kazaa or Gnutella to download music, films, games or other software, for free. Whilst it may seem like a great idea to not have to pay the shelf price for these items, by doing so, you are very likely to be breaking the law.
Read more here >> |
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| Virus or Open proxy |
What is it?
A computer virus can either harm your computer, or use your computer to harm others. Several new viruses are created each day, usually aimed at computers using Microsoft Windows, as this is the most common operating system used. Some 'underground communities' even promote competitions for hackers that can create the most disruptive viruses.
Read more here >>
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| Unauthorised access |
What is it?
An example of 'unauthorised access' is when someone accesses a computer that doesn't belong to them, without the owner's permission. This is against the law.
The majority of people that do this are known as 'hackers'. Hackers use their knowledge and skills, along with the latest technology, to bypass security and take control of computers that do not belong to them.
Read more here >> |
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| Threatening and abusive behaviour |
What is it?
The majority of internet users are happy talking to friends and family or conducting business as they would on the high street, but there are some people who use the internet to expand their poor behaviour. These people use internet forums or email to threaten, intimidate or bully other internet users, often causing a great deal of distress.
Some people may not intend to be abusive, but their words may have been misread by the recipient and there are some users that think that their 'perceived' online anonymity gives them warrant to behave in an unacceptable manner.
Read more here >>
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| Phishing |
What is it?
'Phishing' is a form of fraud, whereby certain (illegal) groups attempt to deceive internet users into disclosing their personal information. An example of 'phishing' is when you receive an email which links to what appears to be an authentic website from your bank, which is in fact a fraudulent copy.
Most banks or financial institutions will never ask their customers for personal information via email, so you should always report this activity to the associated company as soon as possible.
Read more here >> |
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| 419 Fraud |
What is it?
419 Fraud is a scheme that attempts to convince an individual to pay out money on the promise of a large return. Most people will witness 419 Fraud through an email.
The email normally asks you for assistance in transferring large sums of money from their 'alleged' country of origin, and to do that you need to provide personal details like your name and bank account details. The problem is, these emails are not genuine and the information provided allows illegal groups to access your money, which is never seen again.
Read more here >>
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