Cybercrime Menace

Cybercrime

Let's see through the chaos that have always ensued in the dark Gain the strength to put up a fight and fight against cybercrime.

UNVEILING THE CYBERCRIME MENACE

CYBERSHIELD

Welcome to CyberShield, a resolute community standing together in the battle against cyber crime. In an era where the digital landscape is besieged by ever-evolving threats, our group emerges as a united front, determined to raise awareness, foster education, and empower individuals and organizations to protect themselves in the face of this pervasive menace

Join CyberShield today and become part of a vibrant collective dedicated to safeguarding our digital realms. Together, we will build a stronger, more resilient community, empowering individuals and organizations to stand tall against cyber crime. Let us forge a future where our united shield remains impenetrable in the face of adversity. Welcome to CyberShield: A community against cyber crime!

At CyberShield, we firmly believe that by uniting our knowledge and strength, we can build an impregnable shield against cyber crime. Our purpose is to cultivate a vibrant community where likeminded individuals join forces to share insights, best practices, and experiences, ensuring that together we stay one step ahead of the perpetrators. We strive to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their background or expertise, can actively contribute to the fight against cyber crime.

ADDRESSING CYBER CRIME: A CRUCIAL PRIORITY FOR THE PHILIPPINES

The importance of addressing cyber crime in the Philippines cannot be overstated, especially in light of the alarming increase in cyber attacks observed in recent years. According to statistics, cyber attacks in the Philippines surged by 31% in 2021, compared to 24% in the previous year. This significant rise underscores the urgent need to tackle this issue headon and implement robust measures to protect individuals, businesses, and national security from the evergrowing cyber threats.

As the nation embraces technology and digital connectivity at an accelerated pace, the risks associated with cyber crime loom larger than ever before. Protecting citizens from identity theft, financial fraud, hacking, and online harassment has become paramount in maintaining their safety in the digital realm. Furthermore, addressing cyber crime is vital for instilling trust and confidence in the burgeoning digital economy of the Philippines. Without effective measures in place, individuals and businesses may hesitate to engage in online transactions, impeding the economic potential and hindering the country's digital progress.

The surge in cyber attacks also poses a direct threat to national security interests. Cyber criminals have the potential to disrupt critical infrastructure, compromise sensitive government information, and undermine the sovereignty of the nation. The increasing digitization of government operations and services necessitates the development of comprehensive strategies and capabilities to safeguard the digital infrastructure from cyber threats. Collaborating with international partners and engaging in information sharing initiatives is crucial to combat cyber crime on a global scale, and the Philippines must actively participate in these efforts.

UNVEILING THE DARK WEB: THE UNDERBELLY OF CYBERCRIME

Philippine driver’s licenses, personal IDs, email, Netflix passwords, credit card data and online accounts are just among the data pieces sold in the dark web market.

This is according to cybersecurity company NordVPN, which has conducted research on cybersecurity in the Philippines.

It said more than 720,000 items and data prices worth P908 million have been illegally sold in the dark web market as of the date the research data was received on April 1, 2022. The research showed that Philippine driving licenses can be bought for as little as P417 2 per piece, the cheapest price on the market. However, payment card data from the country is one of the most expensive in the world.

“This one market is just the tip of an iceberg There are over 30,000 websites on the dark web at the moment. Keep in mind that only four percent of the entire internet belongs to the surface web that is available to any user online,” Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity expert at NordVPN said.

The study was conducted in partnership with thirdparty cybersecurity researchers with an aim to warn users about the possible dangers of illegal activities people take part in on the dark web, NordVPN said. An easy way for hackers to steal a user’s data or digital asset is credential stuffing. This is done when the leaked password or email is used to get access to other platforms, it said "Online accounts come at a low price: a hacked Netflix account can be bought for P524.8, an Uber account for P629.76 and a Twitter account for as little as P105,” the report said.

Country residents’ payment card data is sold for P1,042.3, twice as much as the world’s average at P524. The top countries in this list are Japan for the equivalent of P2,253 and Macau, the equivalent of P1,179 75 Furthermore, the report said, some criminals also buy emails in batches and use them for phishing attacks or other malicious purposes.

It advised users to educate oneself to protect data, to stay vigilant and to monitor one’s account regularly The data was compiled in partnership with independent researchers specializing in cybersecurity incident research. They evaluated one marketplace on a dark web and analyzed its listing data, which included title, price, and country of shipment The data was received on April 1 and the exchange rate used at the time was P52.48 against the dollar. (The Philippine Star, 2022)

CyberCrime

T H E S H A D O W S

Cybercrime has become a prevalent issue in the Philippines, with an increasing number of cases reported every year The country has been identified as a hub for cybercrime due to its skilled workforce and lack of strict cybersecurity regulations

Through in-depth articles and interviews with experts in the field, this magazine aims to unmask the shadows surrounding cybercrime in the Philippines It will cover topics such as online scams, hacking Incidents, cyber threats,and other cyber crmes The magazine will also provide information on the legal framework and the government's efforts to combat cybercrime ybercrime has become a prevalent issue in the Philippines, with an increasing number of cases reported every year The country has been identified as a hub for cybercrime due to its skilled workforce and lack of strict cybersecurity regulations

It has witnessed a significant rise in cyber threats and hacking incidents across various sectors These include data breaches, phishing attacks, ransomware attacks, identity theft, online scams, and social media fraud Both individuals and organizations have fallen victim to these cybercrimes, resulting in financial losses, reputational damage, and privacy breaches

This rise can be attributed to various factors, including technological advancements, increased connectivity, evolving cybercriminal tactics, and socio-economic conditions.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE GROWTH OF CYBERCRIME IN THE PHILIPPINES

Increased Internet Penetration

The Philippines has experienced a rapid increase in internet penetration in recent years. While this has brought several benefits, it has also opened up opportunities for cybercriminals to target a larger user base.

Rising Digital Economy

The growth of the digital economy in our country, with increased online banking, ecommerce, and digital payment systems, has provided cybercriminals with lucrative targets Financial transactions conducted online have become attractive for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities and steal sensitive information.

Lack of Awareness and Education

Many individuals and organizations in the Philippines still lack awareness about cybersecurity best practices. This makes them more vulnerable to cyber attacks. A lack of proper education and training on cybersecurity leaves users unaware of potential threats and makes them more susceptible to falling for scams or clicking on malicious links

"FROM NEWSBREAKER TO HEADLINES: THE FALL OF A JOURNALIST'S PEN"

The Cybercrime Prevention Act, which Ressa and Santos were accused of violating, did not exist at the time the story was released. However, the complaint was upheld by the courts because an update to fix a typo in the report was deemed to have "republished" it in February 2014. Ressa and Santos were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 6 months to 6 years, but will not be detained until higher courts uphold their conviction. Rappler reports they will pay 200,000 pesos in moral and exemplary damages

CONVICTED

Maria Ressa, the founder of an award-winning Philippinesbased news site and a critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, was found guilty of cyber libel on Monday, the latest blow to the country's press freedom. Ressa, the editor and CEO of the online news site Rappler, and former researcher-writer Rey Santos Jr. were convicted guilty of slandering a businessman by a Manila court. The lawsuit featured a May 2012 article that looked into a former chief justice's ties to several businesses, notably Wilfredo Keng. According to the account, Keng was linked to unlawful conduct based on an intelligence assessment from an undisclosed agency. Keng denied any misconduct.

"The verdict against Maria Ressa highlights the ability of the Philippines' abusive leader to manipulate the laws to go after critical, well-respected media voices whatever the ultimate cost to the country," says Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "The Rappler case will have repercussions not only in the Philippines but in many other nations that have long regarded the country as a robust environment for media freedom."

Continuation of the recent article

"FROM NEWSBREAKER TO HEADLINES: THE FALL OF A JOURNALIST'S PEN"

FAKE!!

Press freedom groups have decried Rappler and Ressa's multiple legal fights and government probes as an attempt to suppress independent media and as judicial harassment. Ressa has been a vocal opponent of Philippine President Duterte's administration, particularly its bloody drug war.

For their "pursuit of greater truths" in the face of danger, Ressa was one of four journalists and one news organization named TIME 2018 Person of the Year. She was also listed among the 100 most influential individuals according to TIME in 2019. In her statement at the TIME 100 gala, she declared, "My only crime is to be a journalist and to speak truth to power."

THE EFFECTS OF

C y b e r a t t a c k s

Cybercrime can result in not only financial problems but also mental stress. The same impact can be that the victim might have a problem trusting someone online again Also, emotional stress can result from stolen data and worry about how the attacker might use the data. Such worry not only gives rise to worry, and anger, but the victim can also experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Like real trauma, cyber trauma can also be real and have a longlasting impact.

Guilt and Shame

These are often faceless crimes However, victims might not report cybercrimes, such as phishing attacks and email malware. They might blame themselves for reasons such as weak cybersecurity. Such shame and guilt can result from victim-blaming in which victims blame themselves for the online crime These events could cause the victims to go offline.

Feeling of Helplessness

The feelings of helplessness might cause the victim to become isolated. They might even decide to quit social media or go offline altogether to avoid more digital crimes. This helplessness may also be because they’ve been victims multiple times

Emotional Trauma

CYBERSECURITY AS A CRITICAL ISSUE

The sudden digital shifts occasioned by the pandemic have been exploited by malicious actors, particularly through the deployment of cyberattacks An Interpol study used data from 194 member countries to assess the rise in cyberrelated crimes during the pandemic. They malicious URLs o April of 2020

The rapid growth in digital activities has also increased cybersecurity threats, particularly for critical infrastructure. Over the past several years, the world has witnessed more and more cyber incidents involving key sectors such as water, power, and telecommunications that are vital to life and maintaining societal functions. Disruption to these critical infrastructures is also fast becoming a weapon for cyberwarfare against rival states. Hence, the protection of critical infrastructure against cyberattacks must be a primary goal of every country.The pandemic highlighted how malicious actors will take advantage of every opportunity, especially a crisis, when people are most desperate and vulnerable, to launch cyberattacks. The shared experience of various countries in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and the concomitant cybersecurity challenges that it brings can be a valuable source of learnings moving forward. Acountry’s cybersecurity posture can have a huge impact on its national security, economy, access to technology and innovation, and foreign policy. Cyber capability and readiness to identify and respond to incidents are crucial to protecting and sustaining the delivery of essential services to people. Cybersecurity policies and strategies can determine the entry of foreign investment and the participation of citizens in the global digital economy. Therefore, nations should protect and promote cybersecurity in order to reach its full digital potential. (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2012).

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