Cybercrime

Have you ever wondered what cybercrime is? Most of us are puzzled about what it is. Well, there are 3 definitions to it:

1. The computer as a target - attacking the computers of others (spreading viruses is an example).
2. The computer as a weapon - using a computer to commit "traditional crime" that we see in the physical world (such as fraud or illegal gambling).
3. The computer as an accessory - using a computer as a "fancy filing cabinet" to store illegal or stolen information.

Lately, most of the masterminds are teenagers and children. In fact, they need not to be highly skilled in order to hack your account; hacking tools are readily available on the web and once downloaded, even amateur users can hack your account in no time. 

Furthermore, teenagers start sharing their hacking tools and tips to other hackers, which makes hacking seem like a child's play, without considering that it is actually illegal. 

For more details: http://www.cybercitizenship.org/crime/crime.html 

I will be showing you a Ted talk that illustrates the 3 main types of online attacks

Though this video is quite long but it's really useful, do watch the entire video!

Cybercrime has also gone to mobile now! Watch the video and see how a simple app can make your smartphone into an espionage tool in the hands of criminals - record conversations, steal text messages, hack your accounts and spy on your private meetings. 

Given that hackers have so many tools and methods to hack into our accounts and endanger our privacy. What can we do to prevent them from happening? I shall list some of the intervention methods!

1. Use anti-virus software

2. Block unknown friend requests from social media sites

3. Have different email accounts - one for shopping info, another one for bank account details and so on

4. Ignore pop-ups

5. Two-step verification

6. Only shop online on secured sites

7. Don't click on unknown links

8. Don't store card details on websites

9. Different sites, different passwords

10. Lock down your Facebook account

For more details: http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/12-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-cyber-crime/articleshow/20025280.cms 

I will end my post with a video to enhance awareness on Cybercrime

Google Earth - The epitome of satellite imaging

I have always thought of Google Earth as a very useful internet tool for users to browse satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, galaxies and the ocean. Let me give you a walk-through on how to use this application!

Google Earth can be explored in 3 ways: The web, Mobile & your PC. 

I will using Google Earth on my desktop to guide you guys on how to use it. There are several features that the app provides!

After downloading the application, it looks like this!

Tips on how to use the app

1. Google Earth allows you to click on a country and explore pictures of their landmarks

There will be a search box for you to type in the location you want to explore, and the app gives you a satellite view. As you click on the red icon, it gives you an overview of the location!

2. But as you zoom in, the map gives you a street view of the interior of the mall

3. Google Earth allows you to explore space, planets, stars and constellations nearby 

4. The '3D Buildings' layer in Google Earth allows you to view 3D models of buildings, monuments, bridges, towers, fountains, museums, homes, etc. 

5. What makes this app so amazing is due to its ability to bring you back to Ancient Rome and have you experience what is it like in the past!  

6. Google Earth enables you to explore the moon as well!

7. Lastly, it allows you to explore the deep ocean!

With Google Earth, you need not travel to see these amazing places. I highly recommend you all to download it as it is free and interactive!

The use of Youtube as a useful learning tool

Traditionally, when the internet is still not available to others, people relied on lectures and workshops in which the trainer must be present. With the invention of the internet in the 1990s, people made use of online platforms to guide in learning. Videos not only serve educational purposes, it also teaches things that can be applied to daily activities. 

Let me put some videos as examples

This video illustrates a tutorial on Spring Braided Flower Hair

If you are interested in nail art, Youtube contains many tutorials contributed by many users, ranging from beginners to advanced techniques

If you are interested in PC games and don't know which are fun, feel free to watch the game-play tutorials and have the gist of it before trying it out! I would recommend Outlast if you guys are interested in psychological horror games. 

If you are not sure of which phone to get or want to know the functionality of a particular model without reading the manual. Youtube provides such videos as well!

The above video showcases a Pepsi commercial, which was really hilarious!

The video features the founder of project V.O.I.C.E, Sarah Kay, who teaches us the concept of not rushing through life!

Sometimes, users post videos of funny commercials or events for pleasure purposes. Or, posting inspirational videos to motivate people. Such videos are normally used as examples in class presentations to educate the class on specific topics. 

There are many other things that we can learn from Youtube alone! It has become a useful learning platform for users, which will continue to upgrade its tools for the better.

E Learning tools

There are several elearning tools that students can adopt. I will be giving you a overview about Khan Academy.

Khan Academy is an elearning site that allows students and parents to learn from video lectures, and have teachers to provide elearning materials to coach them.

Login Page

Khan Academy allows users to sign in through Facebook or Google. Users can browse all the videos for free!

Subject Categories

The Academy provides a wide range of categories, ranging from Mathematics to Humanities.

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/heredity-and-genetics/v/punnett-square-fun

This is an example of a lecture on Punnett Square Fun about hereditary and genetics.

video page

Just like Youtube, users can post comments or questions and others will answer their questions, promoting a more interactive learning. At the left panel, users can select the lecture they will like to watch. 

If you guys are interested, refer to the link: https://www.khanacademy.org/