Netiquette and Computer Ethics

Chapter 4: Netiquette and Computer Ethics

Lesson 1: Netiquette

• Netiquette is a combination of "net" (internet) and "etiquette" (manners).
• It defines the proper way to communicate in an online environment.
• It is the set of rules for behaving properly online.
• The Golden Rule applies: treat others with the same respect you expect to receive, avoiding confrontational or offensive language.
• It's sometimes acceptable to use appropriate emoticons to convey meaning, but emoticons are inappropriate in professional communications.
• Avoid using slang, acronyms, and text abbreviations to ensure clear communication in college and business settings, using "your" instead of "ur".
• Avoid "screaming" by typing entire messages in capital letters.
• Emphasize words or phrases using italics, bold text, different colors, or special characters.
• Proofread messages before sending to ensure effective communication and correct spelling, grammar, accuracy, and appropriate content and recipients.
• Exercise good judgment when sharing information online

Sharing Information Online

• Email and chat messages are considered private and shouldn't be forwarded or copied without consent.
• To protect privacy and safety, sensitive personal information should never be shared online, to include:
  • Home address and phone number
  • Personal conversations
  • Social plans
  • Financial data (usernames, passwords, hints)
  • Anything personal that should not be shared
• Always get permission from the original author or copyright holder to avoid plagiarism.

Respecting Diversity in Viewpoints

• Be constructive and respectful when sharing opinions, beliefs, or criticisms.

Top 10 Commandments of Computer Ethics

• Remember the Human.
• Adhere to the same standards of behavior online as in real life.
• Know where you are in cyberspace.
• Respect other people's time and bandwidth.
• Make yourself look good online.
• Share expert knowledge.
• Help keep flame wars under control.
• Respect other people's privacy.
• Don't abuse your power.
• Be forgiving of other people's mistakes.

Lesson 2: Cybercrimes

• Cyber is characteristic of computer, information, technology, and virtual reality culture.
• Cybercrime is when a computer is the object of the crime or is used as a tool to commit an offense, like hacking, phishing, spamming, and child pornography.
• Cybercriminals use computer technology to access personal data, business secrets, or exploit the internet.
• Republic Act No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, addresses legal issues related to online activity and the internet in the Philippines.
• Republic Act No. 10173, the Data Privacy Act of 2012, protects individual personal information.

Common Forms of Cybercrimes

• Copyright: exclusive legal right to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material
  • Copyright infringement defined as the violation, piracy, or theft of a copyright holder's rights.
• Plagiarism: closely imitating another author's language and thoughts without authorization.
• Computer Addiction
  • Offline: excessive gaming behavior.
  • Online: "Internet Addiction"; related to excessive Internet use.
• Virtual Self: the persona that is created in the virtual space.

Criminal Activities

• Hacking
  • Illegal Access; Illegal Interception; Data Interference; System Interference; Misuse of Devices.
  • Infection of IT Systems with Malware against critical infrastructure of the Philippines can result in 12-20 years reclusion temporal.
  • Six to twelve years of imprisonment: prison mayor.
• Computer-related forgery, fraud, and/or identity theft involve stealing sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and card details.
  • Includes phishing, pharming and spam.
  • The maximum penalty is Php 200,000 fine or prison mayor.
• Electronic Theft
  • Illegal Downloading: obtaining files from the internet without the right to use them.
  • Digital Piracy: illegally copying & selling digital music, video, computer software.
• Copyright Infringement is punishable by a fine of Php 50,000 – 500,000 and or prison mayor.
• Cyberbullying: bullying via electronic communication, is covered by The Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (RA 10627).
• Cybersex includes any lascivious exhibition of sexual organs/activity with the aid of a computer system.
  • The penalty is at least Php 200,000 and or prison mayor.
• Child Pornography: a form of child sexual exploitation.
  • This is punishable by Republic Act No. 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009, committed via a computer system.
  • The penalty is 12-20 years of imprisonment or reclusion temporal.
• Cyber Defamation: an unprivileged false statement that harms someone's reputation with a penalty of 6-12 years imprisonment or prison mayor.

Lesson 3: Internet Threats

• Hacking
  • Gaining unauthorized access to a computer, facilitated by online availability of tools, techniques, and malware.

Types of Threats

• Malware stands for malicious software
  • A common ways to infiltrate or damage your computer.

Types of Malware

• Virus
  • A malicious program that infects via email attachments, downloads, can automatically download from a site.
• Worms
  • Common threat that goes to work without attaching to program files
• Trojan Horses
  • Malicious program disguised as useful to trick user to download leaving a PC unprotected.
• Spyware
  • A program runs in the background logging activity and keystrokes.
  • For example: Keyloggers monitor activity.
• Pharming
  • Online fraud that redirects users to a malicious website.
  • Even when the correct URL is entered, can still redirect to a fake website.
• Ransomware
  • Is a malware that restricts access to files demanding payment for removal of restriction.
  • Infection commonly distributed through phishing emails.
• Spam
  • Common method of sending unsolicited messages and pornography.
  • Mass distribution via social media sites, company websites, and blogs.