Cyber crime awareness in Singapore through the use of broadcast media

Cybercrime Awareness in Singapore through the Broadcast Media

Cybercrime is any form of crime that happens on the internet or with a computer. Cybercrime is an international problem with no boundaries on who it may affect (Boulanger, 2010). It is multidimensional, and thus all users of cyberspace are exposed to cybercrime. Cybercrime is an emerging global issue posing a serious threat due to its potential risks. Awareness creation through the broadcast media in Singapore is vital in ensuring that the security threats caused by cybercrime are prevented or mitigated. Broadcast is one of the effective tools to create awareness since it reaches a wide variety of audience. The nature of the crime depends on the attack and purpose of the attack. All users of cyberspace are encouraged to make efforts towards fighting the problem has been challenging technological developments in all countries. As has been reported, over the past decade, advancements in the communications technologies and the passing of information has led to cybercrime where personal information is used as a commodity moves at a pace that far too quick for law enforcement to keep track of (Wainwright, 2010). Cybercrime is multidimensional targeting, government agencies, businesses, and citizens at a rate that relevant authorities have not been able to manage. The criminal tools of cybercrime pose a direct challenge to security and have been playing a major role in facilitating various forms of organized crime and terrorism.

Over the years, Singapore has seen the transition of broadcast media from one that was previously, unreliable to a very dependable source of fast hand information on various topics in the society. Broadcast media is now depended upon by thousands of Singapore citizens in the provision of important information on the state of the country. The role of the media is purposely to pass information from one person to another without distortion of the information. The integrity of the broadcast media has, therefore, brought hope in fighting various challenges in the country’s society. One of the challenges that can be fought using this platform is cybercrime, which has left the country suffering from the loss of millions of money and information worth a lot of money. Its multidimensional nature has affected various government ranks and agencies, businesses and corporations, and citizens have fallen victim to cybercrime and therefore the need to fight the overwhelming problem.

Interpol Global Complex for Innovation has noted that Singapore has not been exempted from three major crimes in cybercrime, cyber bank robberies, ransomware attacks and compromise in business e-mail. Over the last year, these three crimes have plagued the cybercrime world. However, the grievous nature of these crimes has been sidelined, and most of the cases have gone unreported (Ghosh, 2010). The main reason may be due to the embarrassing picture that businesses may get. The fact is, if a bank robbery happened on the street, companies would be quick to go to the police for help. However, when a bank is robbed through the cyber, it may be unwilling to let the information out as it would imply that the bank cannot protect its client’s money. Also, the reason for the small number of reports may be due to the little attention that cybercrimes are being given in the country despite the backdrop of global proliferation of cyber-attacks. Also, statistics show that cybercrime incidents targeting companies based in Singapore have risen from 15% in 2014 to 43% in 2015. With the advancements on technology and lack of proper infrastructure to contain the situation, the number of cybercrime attacks on such companies and various institutions in the society have risen since then.

Due to the current situation, there is need for solutions to be developed to fight the challenge. The government has come up with various laws and legislations to combat the problem. However, implementation of these legislations cannot be achieved when the citizens do not have information on the crime and what steps they should take when faced with a cybercrime attack. People are also reluctant to approach law enforcement due to reasons like embarrassment on issues like sexual harassment which usually leads to stigmatization. One of the ways that the country can fight cybercrime is through broadcast media. The reliability of broadcast media as a source of information between the government and citizens is outstanding. One cannot separate telecommunications, broadcasting, and information in the modern technological world that is filled with advancements in every area (Mohamed, 2013). Broadcasting has three major purposes, inform, educate, and entertain. It is upon these three purposes that the government and relevant institutions can fight the challenge of cybercrime in the country.

James A. Brown, 1976 says that broadcasting is a communication medium orients and forms value on information that is shared on. Judgements, understanding and imaginations that people have are structured and characterized by the images and sounds that are broadcast on various mediums. Singapore’s broadcasting has a huge responsibility. Managers of the various broadcasting stations have been tasked with this responsibility. Broadcasting is the “fifth estate”, a platform that bridges the gap between the government and the people. I can, therefore, use this platform in creation of awareness of what cybercrime is and how it occurs. Using broadcasting is a good method of reaching millions of people who may never be reached through other means. The fact that millions of people have become addicted to watching TV and listening to the radio makes it easy for me to pass important information on the nature of the crime. My use of the Singapore’s broadcast media would be based on how quick the message can get to the people and the effect that the platform provides. People tend to react towards mediums that appeal to them. Broadcast media is more appealing than print media or any other form of medium due to the number of people that can be reached. It is a fact that there are people who cannot read and others who cannot go to any type of rally or program due to several reasons. However, broadcast is more convenient since people can listen to the radio from anywhere and watch the television when they want. In fact, people have been known to schedule time for TV while some cannot bring themselves to stop watching. This type of audience that can be easily reached. This is because they can get the information you are trying to pass to them whenever you deem it necessary.

The media has provided a forum, a meeting place, where discussions of various social issues can take place. Broadcast media has adapted call-in programs which allows listeners and those watching to share their opinions on various issues. Using these call-in programs, I can set up an opportunity for those who have any questions on cybercrime to ask and get straight answers from the respondents. Also, call-in programs offer some sought of anonymity which encourages callers to ask questions in a free manner. This way, no one will be shy to ask any type of question that may deem relevant to the situation at hand. Call-in programs offer the callers a chance to give suggestions, apart from asking questions. These suggestions may be a good source of informative ideas on how to combat cybercrime. This way, the government and relevant authorities can have the people’s opinions of how they feel about cybercrime and how they can combat it. The one on one questions will also be a chance for citizens to get on-point information on their inquisitions.

The media plays an important part in building the society. Educating the masses is one of its major responsibilities. There is a need for more education-type program. Developing an awareness program that will be focused on cybercrime will be influential in educating the masses. Educational reforms are being subjected and implemented by the government every time and it would be good to see a program that more about awareness if the dangers of crime. It will, also, serve as a reminder for the upcoming generation, who are addicted to their phones that such a crime exists and they should not certain types of information with everyone. Cybercrime is characterized by individuals who are waiting for reckless people to share their personal information so that they can manipulate them. Such programs will deter people from such recklessness and promote healthy use of the internet. The programs will educative to business owners and companies on the need for good security on their information as it would demonstrate how the crime is committed and the loss of property. The involvement of law enforcement is also necessary in ensuring that people see the need for making the police aware when such crime happens or is about to happen. This will prevent future incidences of criminals asking for ransoms in exchange for not releasing certain types of information, which is usually deemed sensitive.

Education through broadcast media is important in fighting crimes. The development of educational programs to raise awareness on cybercrimes is important in any society that is striving to be successful. The use of broadcast media ensures that the educational programs will reach many people. This will ensure that citizens are up to date on the current state of affairs on certain issues like cybercrime. I will also ensure that people know the necessary steps that the government is taking in combating a crime that many of them are prone to or have already fallen victim. It may also encourage investment into the program and more programs may be developed to combat raise awareness on cybercrime or other issues that directly or indirectly affect the society and need to be addressed.

Another way that I can raise awareness of cybercrime using Singapore’s broadcast media is through entertainment. Entertainment is a major purpose for broadcast media. There can be development of movies, songs, and the use of advertisements to raise awareness on the issue. Movies that cover the issues surrounding cybercrime can be aired to raise awareness on the issue. Also, popular movies can be used to incorporate cybercrime and its issues. When such movies are aired, viewers will not only be entertained but also be informed on cybercrime. Songs are known to be very appealing to mankind. Composure of songs that will appeal to the masses and still pass the important information on cybercrime will go a long way in raising awareness. If the songs are good people will be more encouraged to listen to the music repeatedly, thus creating awareness and possibly preventing cybercrime attacks that would have happened if people were not aware.

There are various forms of cybercrime attacks. They range from identity theft to cyber bank robberies. The occurrence of such crimes may not be as distinct to the normal citizen who knows little about computers and the necessary security checks that are needed when one is using the internet. Through broadcast media, specialists in the area can be brought to talk about the issue. They will be given a chance to offer information from a professional point of view. Such information may be more appealing to citizens since they may be more trusting to information that is coming from a professional in the field than a random person who is just trying to raise awareness. The programs may also invite specialists from other fields who may be affected by the crime to share their concerns and maybe give suggestions on how the matter should be handled. Also, the specialists may shed more light on the strategies that the relevant authorities may have taken on the issue and what they may be expecting from the government and other various institutions and thus raise awareness.

As seen above, one of the major purposes of broadcast media is to share information. People are dependent on the platform to get news on the state of affairs in the country. As the media people gather information, they should be keen not to leave put any sort of information. Therefore, when there have been cases or issues surrounding cybercrime, it is their responsibility pass this information. Also, when there are new developments on the issue broadcast media should air it. This way, they would have achieved their purpose to the country as well as give important information on a crime that has become a major distress to many countries due to the loss of billions from its activities. Such awareness is important to the citizens as they will be more cautious when handling their personal information over the internet.

In summary, cybercrime is any type of criminal activity that happens with the use of a computer or internet. The advancements in technology have made cybercrimes to be harder to track and increased in the number of people taking part in it. It has multidimensional covering various forms that could not have imagined. Crimes like identity theft have led to many people being conned of various possessions while others like cyber bank robberies are mainly focused on illegal acquisition of money from banks and other financial institutions. There have been numerous cases on theft of important documents that can only be re-acquired through ransoms. The scope of cybercrime is large and so ingrained in the society that its rates have managed to double and even triple in the past few years. Singapore should, therefore, look for effective measures that will contain the problem. The government has managed to come up with laws and regulations on the matter but its implementation has been a challenge due to the lack of knowledge by many of the citizens on what cybercrime is and how to combat it.

In a bid to create awareness on cybercrime, Singapore’s broadcasting media is a good choice to make effective strides in the task. There are various ways broadcast media can be used in creation of awareness on cybercrime. Some of these methods is the dissemination of information on the issue. Since this is one of the major functions of broadcast media, it is an effective way of ensuring that the citizens of Singapore get fast-hand information on cybercrime. The second method is through the creation of programs that educate the citizens on cybercrime. This way, the citizens will be knowledgeable on the issue and know what type of information they can share and how. They will also have knowledge on the basic security measures that genuine websites have and the type of information that they can share on the various websites. The education will also be aimed at informing business owners and corporations on the importance of upgrading their firewalls and security systems to avoid theft of important information. The education will also be aimed at improving the relationship between law enforcement and reporting of the crimes. The number of cybercrimes reported have been low in the country and Singapore’s broadcast media is an effective tool to ensure that this relationship is repaired and the police can work together with members of the society in containing the situation.

The other method is through having call-in programs where citizens to call and share their views on the issue. It will also be effective in having the society’s contribution on how the issue can be handled. This way, the citizens can take part in the solution after being made aware of the problem. Having cybercrime specialists is another way that awareness can be made through broadcast media. They can be brought to talk on the issue and tell the citizens what measures have been taken to solve or contain the problem. The specialists are also given a chance to interact with citizens using the call-in programs and answer any questions that the citizens may have on cybercrime. The use of songs, advertisements, and TV programs that contain awareness messages on the issue is also a method that can be used create awareness on the issue.

The use of Singapore’s broadcast media is very significant in creating awareness on the issue due to the number of people that can be reached through the platform. The number of people with access to radio and TVs is quite large and despite the competition from the internet, broadcast media in Singapore has managed to thrive as a major source of information on the state of affairs in the nation. The one advantage that the medium has on the internet is that the internet is not used by every member of the society. The old in the society will prefer to watch the TV or listen to the radio rather than go to a computer or smartphone to read the news. With this advantage, I can be assured of reaching all members of the society and conveying my message. It is also, a straight forward way of passing on information since it goes directly to the viewers and listeners unlike the internet where information may be posted and no one may be interested in looking at the information. This is another advantage over the internet. The internet is filled with a lot of unverified information and, therefore, may prove unreliable on the information it provides. Singapore’s broadcast media is by far the best medium for creation of awareness on cybercrime and the methods of handling situations that involve it. The citizens have a right to know about it and be informed on the developments surrounding it. Singapore’s broadcast is a good medium that has bridged the gap between the government and the people in terms of relying communication.

CONCLUSION:

Think first, then click. Not the Other way around. Unless and until our society recognizes cyber bulling for what it is, the surfing of thousands of silent victims will continue. Kids have killed each other and committed suicide after being involved in a cyber bullying incident. Parents can be a part of their education of their children to keep them from going to juvenile court. With the right tools, cyber bullies can be stopped.

REFERENCES:

www.link.springer.com Internet Infrastructure Attacks. Cybercrimes: A Multidisciplinary www.global-economic-symposium.org Dealing with cybercrime-challenges and solutions. www.books.google.co.in/books Formidable Challenges Posed by Cybercrimes. www.sciencedirect.com Combating the threats of cybercrimes in Malaysia: The efforts, the cyberlaws and the traditional laws.