Just as there are many different types of crime that can occur in “real life,” there are many different types of crime that can occur online. Define at least one type of information theft that can occur online and describe how it works. Define at least one type of cyber bullying and explain why it is a problem for the victim. Explain why both types of crime make the Internet a more difficult place to navigate.

Correct Answer:

One type of online information theft is pharming. A criminal redirects a user from a legitimate website to a fake one that looks similar, then captures information the user enters, such as a password or account details. One type of cyberbullying is harassment: repeatedly sending someone threatening, insulting, or abusive messages. Harassment can cause a victim distress and fear, and it may harm their reputation or make them feel unsafe. Information theft makes it harder to trust websites and protect personal details, while cyberbullying can make online communication feel unsafe. Together, these crimes make it more difficult to use the Internet confidently and safely.