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.

A number of cases have already been handled by the Unit, including that of a man found guilty of hacking email and Facebook accounts. Once he managed to get into an account, he would then threaten its owner by saying he would expose embarrassing pictures. There is also another case involving a criminal group that used card scanners and hidden cameras at bank teller machines to steal passwords and other account information.

These criminals take advantage of the knowledge that the internet is very important to the economy. From offline, they managed to move online in order to steal very valuable data from individuals and groups. There has been a forecast that the year 2012 will be a year of battling against online criminal activities. If the past year proved to be problematic in terms of scams, this year will yield even more crimes of this nature.

With the new eCrime Unit concentrating on internet-related offenses, going after online crooks will be more systematic and focused. According to the Attorney General, California would like to set a new standard in crime fighting. The availability of relevant technology will be beneficial not only to online criminals but also to law enforcers.

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.

What issues are in store with regards to security in 2012? Of course, the IT world knows that the extensive use of mobile devices in data management increases security risks. Analysts say that with this situation, organizations have to cooperate with technology. They cannot avoid encounters with data breaches that could happen at any time. Corporate networks have to be on their toes, ready for any malicious attack that may result from such breaches. This is brought about mainly by employee-owned devices, which increases the number of data leakage points.

The development in mobile technology is allowing for corporate data to be accessible from anywhere. Mobile devices are used by employees who have access to this information. The personal computer, which was formerly a major corporate tool, has given way to “personal cloud”, that uses mobile and web applications. Anything can happen in the year 2012, but it is hoped that whatever does happen, it makes things better.

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.

You will be surprised to note that 4 out of 10 health care professionals surveyed are convinced that patient data accessed by mobile devices are secured. It is also surprising to know that 8 out of 10 use these devices to collect, store and transmit patient records. The most disgusting of all is that almost one-half of the participants surveyed said that their organizations have no data security system at all.

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.

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.

The FTC hopes that it can make “opt out” issues simple through the proposal that it has issued. After its approval, consumers can opt out of cookies more easily and, if they like, turn it off permanently. In the present situation, users are presented with very long and incomprehensible privacy policies. In addition, the terms used are not easy to understand except for those who have some background in law. The proposal reiterates that consumers would be allowed to know who is tracking their online activities. Additionally, consumers will be given the power to permanently reject cookies.

It is suggested in the proposal that consumer watchdog groups and companies that sustain websites can come together, and from there, they could start coming up with guidelines for consumer protection. All of this must be done without prejudice to innovation on the web.

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.

Carrier IQ sent a cease and desist letter to Eckhart, claiming that he violated copyrights by publishing its training manuals online. The company also claimed that he made vague false allegations about the software. It also demanded that the researcher turn over the contact information of all those who obtained copies of the file.

On top of this, Carrier IQ demanded that he replace his analysis with a statement renouncing his research. The company drafted the statement and sent it to the researcher for his own use. There was also a hint of a legal action against the researcher if he did not give in. However, the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation, or EFF, sided with him, which made the company more tolerant with the matter.

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.

When the extra effort is put in, parents will see the benefits of being technologically updated. Despite the many benefits that the internet gives to children, it also has limitations when comes to their safety and security. This is one responsibility that parents have to take seriously. They need to exercise parental control over their children’s internet access. They should learn how to use technology and not be overwhelmed by it at the expense of their children.

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.

The Anti-Transnational and Cyber Crime Division of the Philippines’ Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) apprehended a 38-year old Korean national hacker. After having been convicted in Korea, he joined the list of those wanted by Interpol for large-scale internet fraud. Thorough investigations revealed that his group had hacked the servers of the country’s top telecommunication companies. Further investigations revealed that the group is already taking hold of accounts of some private corporations.

The CIDG has made seven successful raids of the group’s illegal online casinos. However, the capacity of the country to counter cyber crime remains inadequate. There are also reliable reports that Filipinos are being used as “e-mules” to perpetrate their transnational money laundering and credit card fraud operations. It seems that getting around Philippine laws so easily makes it the preferred refuge for criminals over any other country.

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.

The aforesaid privacy law applies when children are on a cellular phone, playing interactive games online, or participating in a virtual community. The ongoing phenomenal movement of users to Facebook, Twitter and Google+ started the call to raise the age threshold. It cannot be denied that many online privacy concerns regarding children have been raised.

There is one downside of the proposed age extension according to some critics. The problem is about the inevitable increase in the number of children being deceitful about their age. Many of them would surely say that they are over 18 years old just to avoid having restrictions placed on them. Other observers also predict the likelihood of infringing on children’s rights as set in the First Amendment. Whatever the result might be, what is crucial is that children’s privacy must always be protected and defended.

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.

The rationale for the searches, which is primarily to deter smuggling, is in question. A Justice said that results of recent studies show that most contraband that gets into jails and prisons comes in through the guards. If this is true, then there is no urgent reason why strip searches should be as intrusive as it is planned. It should be recalled that the matter of “routine” strip searches following visits was ruled on by the court more than 30 years ago.

There is also a need for the approach of questioning to focus less on how close guards can get to naked inmates. It was observed that Justices showed more attention to this particular detail rather than on the specific case at hand. Also, there should be a clear distinction between major and minor cases. There were many documented cases of people being arrested for minor offenses, yet they were high on drugs. Under these circumstances, there would be a need for closer than usual searches.