Cyber Crimes

What is cybercrime? Based on the definition from TechTerms.com, cybercrime is criminal activity done using computers and the Internet. According to the latest statistics from CyberSecurity Malaysia, local cybercrime activities are increasingly becoming more money-motivated. According to Chief Executive Officer Lt Col (R) Husin Jazri, these cyber threats, which previously were done for thrills, are now done for financial gains. He also stated that hackers, fraudsters and criminals are working in tandem, across border.

Cybercrime cases have increased in a rapid state and based on a news article at thestar.com which dated January 17, 2009, there were more than 4,000 cybercrime cases reported in two years. Lt-Col Husin said that the complaints lodged were mostly consisted of hack threats, fraud, denial of services and other computer problems such files lost or corrupted by viruses.

As a step taken to enhance the cyber security, CyberSecurity Malaysia has introduced Cyber999, which is a service to serve the local internet community, addressing cyber security and safety issues such as identity theft, system intrusions and virus attacks.

On the other hand, a news article in thestar.com dated August 5, 2008 reported that Malaysian and Thai police will cooperate to stem the rising tide of cybercrime. In the article also mentioned that Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said the two countries would share intelligence to get more information and identify the groups involved in internet-related scams, as well as their modus operandi.

As for Act, Computer Crimes Act 1997 is related to the offences using computers. Another law is the Digital Signature Act 1997. It allows for the development of, amongst others, e-commerce by providing an avenue for secure online transactions through the use of digital signatures.

With all the initiatives taken to protect the public from becoming a victim of cybercrime, public should be aware of this issue and take all the necessary effort and precautions to protect themselves against cyber threats.