Internet Security

A study done by Symantic Corporation in 2011 shows that 80% of the Internet users in Singapore have experienced cybercrimes – the 4th highest in the world. This is probably because Singapore is ranked as one of the most wired nations in the world
(Source: http://www.cybercrimejournal.com/Jiow2013janijcc.pdf).

In addition, these findings show why Singapore is prone to cybercrimes

  (Source: http://www.symantec.com/content/en/us/about/presskits/b-norton-report-2013-singapore.pdf). 

The Computer Misuse Act (Chapter 50) of Singapore states that cybercrime can refer to:

Unauthorised access to computer material 

Access with intent to commit or facilitate commission of offence

Unauthorised modification of computer material

Unauthorised use or interception of computer service

Unauthorised obstruction of use of computer

Unauthorised disclosure of access code

Enhanced punishment for offences involving protected computers

Abetments and attempts punishable as offences

(The complete Computer Misuse Act can be found on: http://www.cybercrimelaw.net/Singapore.html)

A Case Study

An unfortunate cybercrime incident happened to Miss Bala, which started out as a seemingly harmless email sent to Miss Bala's personal account. Miss Bala was a teacher and the email she received mentioned that he had viewed her profile on the school's website and was "happy with what he saw'. Following this, online ads and fake profiles of Miss Bala were created. She then started receiving messages and phone calls with regards to her "sexual services" offered. These are some of the messages she received:



These men request for sexual favours in her home and in her school, and some have even made advanced deposits (to a bogus bank account presumably made by the creator of her fake profiles) for these "advertised" services and turned up at her house. Miss Bala was even stalked by some of these men, who send her messages detailing her immediate surroundings.
The result was a plunge in her reputation by her students who found her fake profiles online.
(Source: http://publichouse.sg/categories/focus/item/82-victim-of-cyber-harassment-left-to-fend-for-herself)

If you are already cautious about your online activity in terms of Internet security, and have firewalls and anti-virus softwares downloaded on your desktop or laptop, please do not neglect the security of your mobile devices.

A survey done by Norton in 2012 reported that about 1.4 million Singaporeans have fallen victim to cybercrime as "new" forms of cybercrime surface. It also shows that 20% of Singaporean adults have been victims of either social or mobile cybercrime. It seems like cybercriminals have resorted to using various other mobile platforms where users are less aware of security risks. These include phones, tablets and social media.

(Source: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/%E2%80%98new%E2%80%99-forms-of-cybercrime-rising-in-singapore--survey.html)

The good news? Cybercrime rates in Singapore have decreased from 48% to 37%.

The bad news? The cost per victim was the highest worldwide at US$1,158 (S$1,448) – almost four times the global average.

(source: The 2013 Norton Study, http://www.symantec.com/pop.jsp?popupid=norton-report-2013-country-reports)

So here's a gentle reminder to create a complicated, secure password for your devices and accounts, and change your passwords regularly. Protect yourselves by deleting suspicious emails and being cautious of the personal details you post online.