In the era of the global free online space, many people are able to violate Internet resources. Feelings of hidden identity and impunity have the potential to push immoral people into online incivility, harassment, and blackmail (Muraski). Modern technological conditions make it possible to track the location of an attacker and quickly neutralize him. However, Internet users should still actively engage in self-study to protect themselves and their online space. There are various sites and programs with all the helpful information for that.
One such site is Working to Halt Online Abuse, which has been helping Internet users since 1977. The site contains a wealth of information on online harassment and how to deal with it legally. One of the valuable appendices of the site is a comprehensive list of cyberstalking laws (and related ones) for each state. Site administrators point out that the page has laws protecting people of all ages. It is a great help for adult users, as most laws only protect children under the age of 18. If the problem concerns a child, the site provides a link to the Kid/Teen Division page, which is created for precise cases regarding children, adolescents, and parents. In addition, the site contains a list of professional lawyers and their contacts for victims from different states. If the list does not have a lawyer for the state, the site provides a link to Additional Law-Related Resources (WHO@: Working to Hault Online Abuse). This resource is useful as a theoretical basis to educate users about online safety. It also provides a clear legal exposition of cybercrime and offers contacts to get instant professional help.
Some cases go beyond verbal abuse and already involve blackmail or money deception. The Scambusters website was created specifically to educate users about online security. The resource includes a comprehensive summary of news from the online world and comments from victims. Users can freely choose the precise category of fraud and engage in self-education. Categories include various topics and cases on phones, credit cards, ID cards, Spyware, identity theft, and many other useful subgroups (Scambusters). This website helps inform users about a considerable number of cases and thus allows them to exercise caution to avoid cybercrime. There is also an opportunity to share your experiences to help other potential victims on the Internet.
References
Muraski, M.K.A. J. Investigating High-Tech Crime, Vitalsource for Kaplan University. [Purdue University Global Bookshelf]. Web.
WHO@: Working to Hault Online Abuse. (n.d.). Web.
Scambusters. (n.d.). Web.