What the Youth Know about Cyber Crime

Cyber crime is becoming a serious problem amongst teenagers and young people. Why? Because they think it is all fun and games without realizing that the consequences can change their lives forever.

Cyber crime is in fact a severe crime that the law takes very seriously.

So, what is cyber crime?

Cyber crime can be divided into two categories – cyber-dependent crimes and cyber-enabled crimes.

>> Cyber-dependent crimes can only be committed using a computer, computer networks or another form of ICT (information communications technology). One example of cyber-dependent crime is hacking.

>> Cyber-enabled crime can be done online or offline, when it is done online it is done with amazing speed. Some examples of cyber-enabled crime are fraud, buying illegal substances online and sexual exploitation.

Some examples of cyber crime include:

     1.       Gaining access to someone’s computer network without permission (hacking into the school network to cheat on a test).

     2.       Making or using malware, viruses, spyware and Trojans (these can be used to prank friends).

     3.       Carrying out a DDoS attack. This may seem like a harmless joke to use on your friends but it is still illegal.

Cyber crime is a serious offense and the law will make an effort to find, arrest and prosecute offenders, no matter how young they are.

Teenagers or young people involved in cyber crime could face these consequences:

- A visit and warning from the police
- All computers being taken away
- Being prohibited from using the internet
- A fine or penalty
- Getting arrested
- Up to 10 years in prison if it is a serious offense

The youth of today need to be taught that cyber crime is a serious offense, and when caught it can cause them to have a criminal record. This could then affect their education and future plans for their careers.

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