Cybercrime Law in the Philippines

Cybercrime and Cybercrime Laws

• Cybercrime describes crimes directed at computers, data, or information communications technologies (ICTs), and crimes committed by people using computers or ICT.
• Cybercrime is a global problem that requires a coordinated international response.
• The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 in the Philippines aims to address legal issues concerning online interactions and the internet in the Philippines.
• The law includes cybercrime offences such as cybersquatting, cybersex, child pornography, identity theft, illegal access to data, and libel.

Types of Cybercrime in the Philippines

• Cybersquatting: acquiring a domain name in bad faith or with the intent to profit, mislead, destroy one's reputation, or deprive others from registering the same domain name.
• Computer-related forgery, fraud, and identity theft are also covered by the law.

Internet Safety Tips

• Use strong passwords
• Keep software updated
• Manage social media settings
• Avoid downloading unknown applications
• Strengthen home network
• Be aware that identity theft can happen anywhere
• Keep an eye on children's online activity
• Know what to do if you become a victim

Computer Ethics

• The 10 commandments of computer ethics:
  • Thou shalt not use a computer to harm others
  • Thou shalt not interfere with others' computer work
  • Thou shalt not snoop around in others' computer files
  • Thou shalt not use a computer to steal
  • Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness
  • Thou shalt not use proprietary software without payment
  • Thou shalt not use others' computer resources without authorization
  • Thou shalt not appropriate others' intellectual output
  • Thou shalt think about social consequences of programming/designing
  • Thou shalt always use a computer with consideration and respect for others

Intellectual Property

• Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, designs, brand names, and literary and artistic works.
• 4 types of intellectual property: patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright.

Patents

• A patent grants property rights on an invention, allowing the patent holder to exclude others from making, selling, or using the invention.
• Eligibility: an invention must be new, involve an inventive step, and be industrially applicable.
• Term of protection: 20 years from the filing date of the application.

Trademarks

• A trademark is a special mark that differentiates goods and services of one entity from its competitors.
• Examples: slogans, logos, colors, or sounds.
• Trademarks may overlap with copyrights.
• Eligibility: distinctiveness of the mark is key.
• Term of protection: varies, but can be renewed.

Network Security

• Disaster recovery planning: performing risk assessment, establishing priorities, and developing recovery strategies in case of a disaster.
• Network security targets various threats and prevents them from entering or spreading on the network.
• Components of network security: anti-virus and anti-spyware, firewall, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Common Methods of Attack

• Viruses: replicated by modifying other computer programs and inserting their own code.
• Worms: malicious software that infects other computers while remaining active on infected systems.
• Spyware: unwanted software that steals internet usage data and sensitive information.