The number of cyber crimes increases as the use of mobile devices becomes more popular. The internet can now be accessed through smartphones and other digital devices by almost everyone. Given this worsening scenario, law enforcement agencies are looking for innovative ways to combat these criminals. Cyber crime cannot be counteracted by the usual strategies. It requires a good deal of ingenuity, with matching technology, in order to stand up effectively against these crooks.

In California, catching and prosecuting internet crooks is now being handled by the new, special eCrime Unit. This team is comprised of 20 attorneys and investigators, and was created by the State Attorney General. Innovative techniques will be used in order to target criminal activities like email scams, piracy, child pornography, online fraud, and many others. Up to this date, many people have been victimized, both online and offline.

In the IT world, it is now time to say goodbye to 2011 and to welcome the new year of 2012. There were many happenings within the past year, and there are high hopes that the coming year will produce even better changes. Many technological changes have to be expected, and analysts foresee some pictures of these from their own point of view. Within the next year, major changes will be driven by these three: big data & analytics, security and cloud computing.

The role of social media in big data and analytics is expected to grow and expand. Due to new data sources, it is very possible that more organizations will use these tools in order to make transformations. The end result for doing all these would be the realization of more significant benefits coming out of social networking. There was a tremendous growth in the number of organizations using the social media command center in the year 2011. The same or even more is expected to happen in 2012. This is proof that the common use of marketing service agencies is gradually being replaced by the more advanced and more efficient social media.

New privacy concerns have been raised due to the continuous increase in data breaches at health care facilities. The results of studies conducted tried to show the main cause of these breaches. Some of the hospitals surveyed put the blame on insufficient funding for security. Others said that the sudden surge in data breaches was due to lost or stolen devices. The first cause could be attributed more to the government’s priorities in appropriating funds. But the second one implies that there is human error, or that health care professionals lack the knowledge on how to secure patient data.

Mobile technology has now entered into almost all private and public organizations. The use of smartphones or tablets has made it very easy for people to handle data. These gadgets are also being used by doctors and other health care professionals for electronic health records. The problem with these tools is with the lack of needed security. Left on their own, some doctors use these gadgets without sufficient knowledge on the use of encryption technology or even passwords.

According to the American Health Information Management Association, there is a need for education and consciousness. A spokesperson admitted that there are trainings conducted on the use of mobile technology as used in data management, however, these are less effective than education and awareness. Other interventions must be done if health professionals are to possess the right awareness about patient data security.

Will a new computer malware victimize and disturb millions of computer users this Christmas? Sadly, yes, and this new malware attack, as always, comes in a cover up, this time as a license key. There are spam emails that appear to come from Adobe, and presented as a license key for Adobe InDesign. This is desktop publishing software from Adobe that is a useful tool for publishers.

The emails were convincingly written and bear the subject “InDesign CS4 License Key”. It is not easy for users to see that the emails contain malware. These emails subtly encourage users to discover what is new about InDesign and how its features have been enhanced. The emails were sent with an attachment that is said contains tips, tutorials, and eSeminars.

Observers have noted that there were several versions of the emails; each one is somewhat different from the others. The subject lines of the emails used different reference numbers. Some attachments bear the filename “License_key_ID[random number].zip”, others use “AdobeSystems-Software_Critical Update Dec_2011-[random].zip”.

Hackers know that users would protect their security, so they use subtle intimidation in their emails. They “promise” such things as advanced features to make sure that users open the attachment. Along with this, there is insinuation that work productivity would be enhanced only if users open the file.

Users with no adequate understanding about how malwares are spammed out are prone to open the attachment. Not being aware that it contains malicious software, they will install it and their Windows computers are infected with it. The malware is detected as the Troj/Bedo-MY Trojan horse by the Sophos antivirus software. It also reminded users that Adobe sends emails to people for a clear purpose other than updates. Users have to bear in mind that Adobe uses only its own website for any available legitimate product updates.

In order to improve internet privacy protection, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued its latest proposals in the hope of raising consumer protection to a new level. Without oppressing innovation on the internet, consumers can be given more protection. The FTC’s proposals contain innovative functions such as “do not track” and several others.

Consumers have long been complaining that their online activities are tracked by the use of “cookies”. Websites send cookies to the consumer’s computer to make it easy for data miners to simply know their online choices. The information that is being gathered is used by companies to target specific products and services to online consumers. It is not easy for consumers to defend themselves because most of them do not know how to disable cookies. They really have to struggle to find the browser’s privacy settings so that they can opt out of cookies. Even to the experienced user, this is not easily done.

It cannot be denied that some consumers might gain from data mining, particularly those who shop online. Discounts and other offers may be available if they wish to purchase the same item again. While some consumers welcome these targeted advertisement benefits, others find them annoying and intimidating to their privacy. That is why authorities are constantly trying to find ways to guard consumers from these unwanted ads.

There is a recent security threat that has stirred concerns among smart phone users. A video was posted by Trevor Eckhart, a security researcher, which gave details of some installed hidden software. It was shown as being able to log numerous details about most of the user’s activities. Specifically, the software known as Carrier IQ, logs all text messages, Google searches and phone numbers typed in by the user. This gathered information is then reported to the mobile phone carrier. Aside from this, the software is capable of logging the URL of websites searched by the phone owner, even if he or she intends to use encrypted data using “https” URLs.

Many mobile devices today that have Android operating systems come with the software installed by default. Eckhart said that it runs in the background unnoticed or without the user’s knowledge. But even if the user becomes aware of it, the software cannot be stopped, added the researcher. He called the software a “rootkit”, which is software that is often used in malware.

Much more has been discovered about Carrier IQ when the researcher was able to get hold of the training materials posted on the software’s website. He was very quick to think that the company might take the files offline, so he copied the training materials. He was right in his belief because these files became unavailable, which was done not long after he posted his analysis.

It is a must for parents to be always one step ahead of their kids with technology. They should do this in order to make sure that their children stay safe and secure online. At school, phones and other web enabled devices are being used by children to cheat on tests. Teachers have to neutralize this negative behavior among children, who get around school rules and regulations. Kids who are more “advanced” teach other children how to get around filters on school computers. If teachers do not keep themselves updated with technology, this behavior would remain unnoticed and unchecked.

Parents should be in the forefront of being involved with their children’s online activities. Different gadgets enable children to get connected online anytime, even in the privacy of their own bedrooms. A lot of things may happen if they are just left on their own. These tech gadgets could become agents of cyber bullying, cyber sex, identity theft, and other things. As parents, there is no substitute to having a thorough understanding of what kind of technology your kids bring home.

When a child asks for a new device, game, or phone, parents should be ready to learn about it. This is not about whether parents can afford to buy it or not. Before buying the gadget, they should speak with the child. They should be specific in asking about what the device can do. This is to give them an idea about the device and have a “feel” for it. This will help them to decide whether it would be safe to let their child have it. Learning more about the device online or at the store will also be a big help.

To effectively deter organized crime syndicates, the Philippines needs to take fast action on the approval of its cyber crime laws. As disclosed by a top Philippine National Police (PNP) officer, the country appears to be the preferred haven for these kinds of criminals. To date, these groups are taking part in cyber pornography, illegal online gambling, cyber sex dens, credit card fraud, and identity theft. The official added that cyber criminals benefit over the “weak laws and poor technical know-how of law enforcers”.

Reports have it that cyber crime mafias who come from other countries are steadily making the Philippines their base of operations. The top official admitted that the PNP at present is not yet organizationally and technically equipped to fight cyber crimes. While law enforcers fall short in terms of training and equipment, syndicates use sophisticated technology. To bridge the gap, he said he has asked for support for an immediate organizational and technical capability build-up.

The capture of a foreign national hacker in the country uncovered the extensive network of cyber crime. Mafias were found working behind the workings of illegal online gambling and credit card scam activities there. For quite some time, the operations of these groups seem unimpeded as evidenced by the fast growth of their connections.

In the United States, there is a move to revise the online privacy rule for children to encompass those aged 13 to 17. This proposal ignited debates during hearings in Congress as the House is divided in its stand on whether or not to include teenagers. The present nature of the law gives the parents of children under the age of 13 the right to decide what information about their children can be collected by websites. Revising the law would also empower parents of children over the age of 13 to decide what information can be collected from this age group.

Advocates of the proposed revision say that there is truly a need to support it. They say that teenagers today are not mature enough to judge and be conscious of the dark side of the internet. They contend that children are becoming more and more technologically skilled. This allows them to easily deal with the fast changing technology. The thing is, they are not mature enough to self-regulate and keep in pace with these new developments. This can cause privacy problems, thus the need to increase the age group of online privacy laws that are set up to protect children.

Websites and other providers must be able to get verifiable permission from parents before they can collect information from children. This means that the consent must be confirmed as to have been given by parents. The new consent would use more sophisticated verification mechanisms. These would be video-conferencing and electronic scans of signed consent forms. Without either or both of these, no website can gather, use, or reveal personal information of children.

Due to privacy issues, the U.S. Supreme Court is once again considering the issue of strip searches in jails. It seems that even those arrested on minor charges would be forced to undress and shower while jail guards stand by watching. The new jail policy is aimed at addressing the problem that there are inmates who hide weapons or drugs. However, there is no clear endorsement on whether Justices need first to decide if there is really a strong reason to suspect wrongdoing. As it is, the law would put everyone through a strip search before entering the general jail population.

Now, there is this issue of which should come first – the right to privacy of people in jail or the need to maintain safety by authorities. A lawyer was firm in his stand that the court should draw a line that clearly defines privacy intrusion. This is especially true when there is no cause to believe that the suspect is hiding anything.

A car dealer who was arrested because of failure to pay fines sought legal assistance. He said the jail guards required him to strip naked two times. He was told to open his mouth and lift his genitals while they closely watched. He was even made to bend over and cough so the guards could check if he was hiding something inside his body.