Imagine you have a routine of writing in a personal diary. You note down your day-to-day activity. You write all your secrets and keep them hidden in your home or office. What if anyone steals it or reads it? This is a violation of your privacy. This is unethical conduct. If similar things happen on social media with the help of the internet then it comes under the preview of cyber ethics. Adopting moral principals, good ethical practices are called cyber ethics. In this blog, we will learn what is ethical and unethical.
Private data protection has become a major challenge in the Internet and social media age. While using the Internet, you must be very careful and respect others’ privacy. There are many moral principles you can count on. But today, in this blog, we will learn some of the unethical practices being followed in the cyber world. So, let’s learn what these practices are.
UNETHICAL PRACTICES
There are many unethical practices prevalent in the cyber world. Let’s learn about them.
Identity Theft
Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information. It often happens to steal your data, Including your financial data, such as debit or credit card information and social security number. This crime can lead to financial loss, damage to credit scores, and emotional and mental distress.
CyberStalking
Cyberstalking occurs when constantly following someone’s online activity. It is done to scare or upset them. Some of the common practices in cyberstalking are sending unwelcome messages, Issuing threats, and keeping an eye on social media profiles. Cyberstalking has been declared an illegal practice in many places.
CyberBullying
Cyberbullying is the use of technologies, and social media platforms to harass, scare, or intimidate an individual or group of people. Cyberbullying can occur through various platforms, such as social media like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc; text messages, emails, gaming platforms, websites, blogs, and other online platforms.
- Cyberbullying can include:
- a. Creating Fake profiles or impersonating someone online.
- b. sharing personal information or photos without permission.
- c. Sending hurtful, threatening messages, emails, SMS.
- d. spreading rumors, and lies about someone online.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is When someone copies others’ creativity, or content without permission or without giving proper credit. It damages the worth of original content and can harm someone’s educational or personal career. Plagiarism like immoral practices is prevalent on a variety of platforms.
Phishing
Phishing is a dishonest practice in which attackers pretend to be reliable sources and trick people into revealing personal data, such as credit or debit card data, other financial data, login id, passwords, etc. The most common platforms for phishing are Emails and WhatsApp.
Spamming
Spamming is sending a lot of unwanted messages and calls. This is often done to make money or promote something. Spamming is widely prevalent on almost all social profiles.
There are many other ways of unethical practices. Remember, prevention and vigilance are key to protecting your identity. There are some of the prevention measures illustrated here:
a. Monitor credit reports and financial statements regularly.
b. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
c. Keep personal information private and secure.
d. Be cautious with links, attachments, and phone calls from unknown sources.
e. Keep updating software regularly.
f. Last but not least Educate yourself and others about identity theft risks and prevention.
Remember, Unethical practices on the Internet are never acceptable and can have severe consequences. Let’s work together to create a safer and more supportive online community!