#Women’sMonth: Giving women a fighting chance against cybercrime

IN LIGHT of Women’s Month, the Amanzimtoti Police Station encourages women to empower themselves and be guided on the dangers of the modern world of technology.

The station’s spokesperson, Captain Charlene van der Spuy, said access to technology and infrastructure is developing at an exponential rate.

Also read: Crime prevention intensifies in Isipingo

“The internet is the arena of information and knowledge that continues to assist us in our day-to-day activities, however, we need to be mindful of the double-edged sword or the dangers that come with this platform. The growth of the cyber world is accompanied by cybercrime, a specialised sector with highly sophisticated, skilled criminals who are always taking advantage of women’s digital ignorance,” she said.

Van der Spuy said women therefore have a role to play in fighting cybercrime. “But first, we need to understand what it means – not just for Women’s Month – we need to empower all women to be ready for this journey as a daily routine,” she said.

Van der Spuy said cyberbullying is bullying another person via cellphone, computer and/or other devices, with the intent to hurt or humiliate, while sexting is the sending of nude or semi-nude photos or videos and posing in a sexual way which can lead to cyberbullying.

She provided these 8 tips on protection against cyberbullying:

• Have open communication.
• Know the consequences of behaviour.
• Do not retaliate.
• Keep evidence.
• Ensure privacy settings.
• Know relevant legislation.
• Report it to the website.
• Get professional support.

The Safe Cyber Life campaign encourages women to consider the following 10 steps to stay safe:

• Understand your technology, and do a checklist of all your technology that is connected to the internet.
• Think about how you manage your passwords, and use different passwords for different platforms.
• Make sure you have a reliable email service for your personal use, and understand the importance of separating your work and personal email processes.
• Make sure all your digital devices have antivirus software, especially mobile devices.
• Ensure that you allow the updates of the software on all your digital technology.
• Understand the privacy settings in your services and technology.
• Understand the parental controls in every device and service you have at home.
• Know what every icon (software) is doing on your devices. Make sure you also read and understand the terms and conditions of what you download.
• Be very careful about what you put on social media as it can be viewed by anyone.
• Establish a cyber-health environment at home and make sure you manage the interaction of your family with digital technology.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.