Cybercrime Scientific Purpose: At the end of my speech, the audience will better understand how the Internet has become a way for criminals to victimize people without needing physical contact. I also want to inform them on ways to prevent becoming a victim of internet crimes. Introduction: 1. Cybercrime is defined as any crime involving computers or computer networks. This can include online credit card fraud, identity theft, harassment and bullying, and the distribution of child pornography or other illegal material. 2. Today I’m going to talk about how cybercrime is something that can affect anyone, and ways to avoid becoming a victim. 3. Different crimes can have lasting damage to many different aspects of your life. Identity theft and credit card fraud can cripple your financial records. Harassment and bullying can cause emotional and psychological problems, and things like leaked nude photos could ruin future possibilities. 4. The academic studies I have read and the victims of cybercrime I have spoken to have not only shown me the dangers of cybercrime but valuable ways to prevent it. 5. Today I’ll be telling you about how and why cybercrime became so popular. I’ll also explain different types of cybercrime and why they are more likely to happen to certain people, and precautions you can take to prevent becoming a victim yourself. Body: 1. Cybercrime History a. Cybercrime started off as a way for hackers to break into computer networks either for fun or to access classified information. i. This led to the spread of computer viruses that were able to cripple computers while also stealing all of the information off them. b. Why it’s popular: i. There is no confrontation involved in the crime. 1. Harassment happens behind computer screens, the offender never leaves their house. 2. Others who steal identities can simply hack your computer network through a virus and use your personal information without ever having to meet you. 2. Anyone can be a victim of internet crime. a. Children i. According to a study done by the Finnish Youth Research Society, research shows that young people that are heavily involved with technology, such as video games and social media communities and networking are likely to become victims. ii. In cases of sexual predators, often the children are manipulated into sending illicit pictures, and then threatened if they do not send more. This can go on for years. iii. Cyberbullying, can be punishable by law if the bully threatens the victim in a way that causes fear of injury or death or when the bully purposely gains access to personal information in order to harass him or her further.
b. Adults i. Phishing: Where computers, phones and tablets get hacked and your personal information becomes available. 1. This includes banking information, credit and debit accounts, and personal identity. 2. Mostly through emails and easy access due to lack of protection software. 3. Also through public wifi networks. (Work, coffee bars, restaurants) ii. Revenge Porn: when sexually explicit photos or videos are posted online without consent. Usually done by hackers or people seeking to humiliate the victims. 1. Example: IsAnyoneUp, Hunter Moore. (2 years in prison) 3. Protection from cybercrime. a. Don’t talk to strangers. i. Do not give out your personal information, including but not limited to, your social security number, address, birthday, and credit card information, to sites you are not familiar with. ii. Check your personal banking information often, to make sure there’s no irregularities. iii. Don’t respond to emails from people you don’t know and are offering you “special deals.” b. Choose strong passwords and don’t share them. i. Don’t use easy passwords like your birthday or phone number. ii. Don’t use the same password for all sites. c. Download security software on your computer i. Free software’s: 1. Avast Free Antivirus 2. Avira Free Antivirus ii. Software’s you needs to pay for: 1. Norton, $80 (up to 5 computers) 2. Panda Global Protection, $90 on Amazon (up to 5 computers) Conclusion: 1. Recap of main points: o First: Cybercrime became so popular because offenders can victimize without ever needing to meet their victim. o Second: While everyone can become a target, different offenses appeal to certain types of people o Lastly: Since certain people are more at risk of being victims to certain crimes, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and not become prey to criminality. 2. Closing Statement: o With the use of technology growing everyday it’s important to know how to protect yourself, I hope the information I’ve given you today will help you stay safe when using the internet so you don’t become another victim of cybercrime.
References Oksanen, A., & Keipi, T. (2013). Young people as victims of crime on the internet: A population-based study in Finland. Vulnerable Children And Youth Studies, 8(4), 298309. doi:10.1080/17450128.2012.752119 Wiederhold, B. K. (2014). The role of psychology in enhancing cybersecurity. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, And Social Networking, 17(3), 131-132. doi:10.1089/cyber.2014.1502 Eaves, Dominic. "One in Six Adults Has Fallen Victim to Cyber-crime." Latest Thinking Blog RSS. Experian, 25 Nov. 2014. Web. 11 Feb. 2016. .
