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What is Cybercrime? (intended for informational purposes)
Cybercrime is criminal activity that either targets or uses a computer, a computer network or a networked device. Most, but not all, cybercrime is committed by cybercriminals or hackers who want to make money. Cybercrime is carried out ​by individuals or organizations.
“Cybercrime” means illegal acts, the commission of which involves the use of information and communication technologies.
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“Cybercrime” means any criminal or other offence that is facilitated by or involves the use of electronic communications or information systems, including any device or the Internet or any one or more of them.

What is Cyber Stalking?
Using the Internet to threaten or make unwanted advances towards someone else. Cyberstalking (also called cyber harassment) is when someone uses the Internet to threaten or make unwanted advances towards someone else. This sort of harassment can cause physical, emotional, and psychological damage to the victim. Children are particularly vulnerable because of their trusting nature.

What is Cyber Bullying?
Using the Internet to harass, intimidate, embarrass, or demean others
Cyberbullying is when kids use the Internet to harass, intimidate, embarrass, or demean others. Cyberbullies may post embarrassing information or pictures on Web pages, trick kids into giving out personal information on instant messenger, send threatening or cruel messages, or impersonate somebody else to send mean or embarrassing messages. They can even send harassing text messages to a victim’s mobile phone.


The following information on Cyberbullying was extracted from the Cyber Bullying Statistics, HelpGuide and other relevant sources.
Cyberbullying is the most prevalent form of online threat affecting children and is the deliberate use of digital media to communicate false, embarrassing, or hostile information about, or to another person. Cyberbullying is a form of teen violence that can do lasting harm to young people and is a serious problem among teens. By being more aware of cyberbullying, teens and adults can help to fight it.
Cyberbullying affects many adolescents and teens on a daily basis. Cyberbullying involves using technology, like cell phones and the Internet, to bully or harass another person. Many South African children are reluctant to report to adults when they are being bullied online. However, if you know or suspect your child is the victim of cyberbullying, there are steps you can take to stop it. 

Signs for cyberbullying can be one or many of the following:


  • Being upset or unusually quiet following use of the phone or Internet;
  • Emotional withdrawal;
  • Being secretive or protective of a device;
  • Sudden disinterest in social activities or sport;
  • Reluctance to go to school;
  • Slipping in grades or lack of focus on study;
  • Changes in mood, behaviour, sleep or appetite;
  • An increased susceptibility to illness; this could be real or used as an excuse to avoid the source of the bullying;
  • Sudden withdrawal and dislike of social media;
  • Nervous behaviour when getting an instant message, text or email;
  • Avoiding discussions on bullying.
Examples of Cyberbullying include:
  • mean text messages.
  • harsh emails.
  • starting or spreading rumours about someone online.
  • posting or sharing embarrassing pictures or videos of someone
  • without their permission.
  • setting up fake profiles and posing as someone else.
  • creating cruel websites as an attack on someone.
Protect kids and your loved ones from cyberbullying:
  • Limit where your children post personal information and monitor their online activities.
  • Avoid escalating the situation such as responding with anger is likely to provoke a bully.
  • Document everything related to the cyberbullying incident.
  • Report cyberbullying to the nearest police station.
Tips for kids or teens dealing with cyberbullying:
  • If you are targeted by cyberbullies, it's important not to respond to any messages or posts written about you, no matter how hurtful or untrue. Responding will only make the situation worse and provoking a reaction from you is exactly what the cyberbullies want, so don't give them the satisfaction.
  • It's also very important that you don't seek revenge on a cyberbully by becoming a cyberbully yourself. Again, it will only make the problem worse and could result in serious legal consequences for you. If you wouldn't say it in person, don't say it online.
Instead, respond to cyberbullying by: 
  • Saving the evidence of the cyberbullying, keep abusive text messages or a screenshot of a webpage, for example, and then report them to a trusted adult, such as a family member, teacher, or school counsellor. If you don't report incidents, the cyberbully will often become more aggressive.
  • Reporting threats of harm and inappropriate sexual messages to the police. In many cases, the cyberbully's actions can be prosecuted by law.
  • Being relentless. Cyberbullying is rarely limited to one or two incidents. It's far more likely to be a sustained attack on you over a period of time. So, like the cyberbully, you may have to be relentless and keep reporting each and every bullying incident until it stops. There is no reason for you to ever put up with cyberbullying.
  • Preventing communication from the cyberbully, by blocking their email address, cell phone number, and deleting them from social media contacts. Report their activities to their Internet service provider (ISP) or to any social media or other websites they use to target you. The cyberbully’s actions may constitute a violation of the website’s terms of service or, depending on the laws in your area, may even warrant criminal charges.
  • ​http://www.saps.gov.za/child_safety/teens/cyber_bullying.php
    http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/cyberbullying.htm
    http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/cyber-bullying-statistics.html
    https://www.cbhs.com.au/news/2015/08/04/cyber-bullying-how-to-identify-it-and-how-you-can-help
    http://www.covenanteyes.com/2012/01/17/bullying-statistics-fast-facts-about-cyberbullying/


What is phishing?
Using fake Web sites to trick you into giving away personal information
“Phishing” or “Web spoofing” attacks use fraudulent Web sites to trick you into giving away confidential personal information such as credit card numbers, account usernames and passwords, and ID numbers. This is called “phishing” because attackers are “fishing” for your personal information and trying to lure you into providing it.
A phishing attempt usually starts with an email urging you to click on a Web link in order to check something about your bank account or another on-line account. These emails often appear to be from popular online institutions. When you click on the link you go to a page where you are asked for information. The page appears genuine, but is in fact counterfeit. Phishers may then use the personal information you give on the page to steal your identity or your money.
Electronic Communications Act: Communications and Transactions Amendment Bill
ect_amendment_bill_2012.pdf (Download Here)
Reporting Cybercrime:
cybercrime.org.za/reporting
SAPS Crime Stop – Tip-off line – 
0860010111

Useful Links:

www.bullying.co.uk/cyberbullying/what-is-cyberbullying
www.commonsensemedia.org/cyberbullying
www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/cyberbullying-what-teachers-and-schools-can-do/

Choose a good anti-virus – Do a bit of a research and choose an antivirus that you trust.
Paid is better than free - Depending on your need, using a paid antivirus software is better than using a free one. This is for the obvious reason that paid one’s come with more added security features.
Protects you from consuming viruses – An antivirus is still very useful, so don’t skip it, It will protect you from a lot of computer viruses.
Maintain antivirus software – Make sure to keep your antivirus software up to date.

How do I report a number in South Africa?

If you are still contacted after registering, you can lay a complaint with the National Consumer Commission on 012 428 7000 or complaints@thencc.org.za.
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CYBERCRIMES AND CYBERSECURITY BILL (Draft)
cybercrimes_and_cybersecurity_bill_2015.pdf (Download Here)
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