Cybercrime And The Internet

Register to read the introduction… One of these groups that works within the U.S. is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS works with public and private partners to enhance cyber security and make cyberspace more safe (“Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Sector Partnerships” par.2). One way of accomplishing these goals is by promoting cyber security awareness in order to improve internet users’ “digital literacy,” or knowledge of technology. In addition, the DHS issues bulletins and alerts on potential cyber threats. These bulletins allow the sharing of information between private sectors so they can help defend themselves against these threats (“Homeland Security: Secure Cyber Networks” par.3). The organization also oversees the protection of the “.gov” website domain using intrusion detection technology to monitor the domain and identify cyber vulnerabilities (“Homeland Security: Secure Cyber Networks” par.2). The work of the DHS benefits the information technology community and helps protect the U.S. public from threats against cyber …show more content…
One way people can protect themselves is by avoiding simple passwords based on birthdays, surnames, and other personal information to create stronger passwords that make it harder for hackers to crack (“News 24” par.19,20). In addition, individuals must learn to use cyber security to encrypt and protect their files. There are websites where people can go to learn more like the IC3 sponsored website: “lookstogoodtobetrue.com.” This website posts public service announcements and scam alerts online and distribute them not only to the public, but also to law enforcement and media agencies to raise awareness and spread information (“Internet Crime Complaint Center” p.19). When individuals fail to protect themselves, police must be equipped to combat cybercrimes. The first step law enforcement agencies need to take it to encourage people to report crimes so the police have an opportunity to solve the crimes and try to combat the problem. Police stations also must make every effort to adopt the new task force model into their own agencies because “as it is now, local police don’t have the widespread know-how to investigate cybercrimes”(Sullivan, par.2). Once the police educate themselves, they can work to educate local businesses and people to combat cybercrime as well. Individuals and law enforcement agencies must take steps in raising awareness and educating