What is identity theft?
Identity theft refers to pretending to be someone else in order to steal money or get other benefits. The person whose identity is stolen can suffer various consequences when he is held responsible for the perpetrator’s actions.

Types of identity theft
According to the non-profit Identity Theft Resource Center, identity theft is sub-divided into four categories:

1. Financial identity theft – using another’s identity to obtain goods and services
2. Criminal identity theft – posing as another when apprehended for a crime
3. Identity cloning – using another’s information to assume his or her identity in daily life
4. Business/ commercial identity theft – using another’s business name to obtain credit

How does identity theft occur?
In most cases a criminal needs to obtain personal information or documents about you to impersonate you. They may do this by:

1. Retrieving information from redundant equipment like computer servers that have been disposed off carelessly eg dumping at lift lobbies, given away without proper ‘data cleanup’.
2. Researching about you on internet search engines or public records search services
3. Stealing identification cards like your IC or bus pass
4. Stealing personal information in computer databases through Trojan or hacking
5. Advertising fake job offers where victims may reply with full name, address, resume, telephone numbers and banking details
6. Phishing – where the criminal sends a ‘professional’ looking email that directs you to a fake website and asks for personal information.
7. Browsing social networking sites like Facebook or Friendster for personal information that have been posted by users.

 It is that easy…

Here are steps to take to reduce the chances of becoming a victim to identity theft:

• Never give your personal information to anyone including your friends. If someone asks personal information, like your passwords, address and IC number they find out why and how that information will be used. You should talk to their parents about whether or not to give the requested information.
• Safeguard checks, bank account numbers, and credit and debit card numbers when you open accounts. You should also monitor your account statements for suspicious activities.
• Shred any documents that contain sensitive information, such as IC number, passwords, bank account number, before throwing them in the trash.
• You should also password protect your laptop or computers or mobile devices. Phones and computers often contain personal information, which can be retrieved by identity thieves if the items are stolen.
• *Especially for youths!
  Limit the information that you post on social networking sites, such as MySpace and Facebook. Criminals can take on your identities in chat rooms and emails, so you should be cautious of what information they you share online.

Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identity_theft

http://blogs.nlb.gov.sg/ask/adults/40

In the current world where being internet-savvy is regarded as an important aspect of life, I am not excluded from this rat-race of a place we call the cyberworld. Particularly in the entertainment industry, being active online is a big factor to help artistes get closer to their supporters and fans. This can be done through mediums like MySpace, Friendster and through blogs. My blog, which is hosted at www.fauzielailyrevealed.blogspot.com is a place where I update my activities and upcoming projects. I also remind my readers to watch programmes that I’m involved in on TV or even shows which are not telecast on the screen.

Over time, I’ve begun to realize that I need to update more frequently to grab the attention of my readers so as to always keep them interested on what’s happening in my entertainment industry and also to keep them on my “side”. Like it or not, being an artiste requires us to sell ourselves as much as we can. Even though I have an able management to help promote me, I believe that an artiste must also keep upgrading themselves to stabilize their position in the industry. Providing updates on myself is one of the ways to do this because it enhances the chances of me being courted by clients.

Facebook has been a very big help in getting new supporters while retaining those who have been faithfully following my career since the start. A good example was when a supporter from Malaysia who came to watch Sinaran Hati recently contacted me on Facebook and is now a fan. All this makes me very grateful and also more spirited to keep on fighting this tough journey in the industry.

Presently, not only am I active on my own profile, I am lucky enough to have a Facebook group and fanpage dedicated to me. Even though my career has spanned more than 5 years now, I make it a point to keep striving as much as possible to sell myself. This is not a case of being “tak tahu malu”(thick-skinned) but the harsh reality is that we must always be proactive no matter what career you are in. It’s a rat race and we are all in it. So let’s make the best of our abilities and hopefully everyone can work together and push each other to the best of their abilities.

Throughout my experience of being active online, I have also chanced upon a few unpleasant experiences. As more and more people are getting smarter in their computer skills, it has also led to disturbing occurrences of an evil online devil also know as a “virus”. I have been affected by viruses a few times on my laptop. I do not understand why these smart alecks have to resort to creating viruses which affects the online community all over the world. Perhaps, it is for their own enjoyment. I also understand that some of them make money out of this but getting money this way is just not right!!

Go away u evil “virus” makers…heh..

I’ve also encountered people who abuse their role in the online world by hacking. I feel that no matter what, an individual’s privacy must always be respected. So to all you hackers out there, thumbs down to all of you naughty people.

The most recent unpleasant experience that I had online was the “lottery” email. What’s a “lottery” email?

Let me tell you more.

I don’t about you guys out there, but recently I’ve been getting frequent emails from overseas that proclaim me as a lottery winner. What puzzles me is that how can I be a winner when I don’t even play in one in the first place???
When i first got such an e-mail, I straightaway knew that this was a scam. It got clearer when it asked for my personal details especially my account number. No way was I going to reveal all these details to an unknown person. So yeah, beware of this too. Reports of this particular scam has been widely circulated in the papers so beware or be square..;p

Ok peeps, I guess that’s it for this entry. I really hope that all the youths who have read this entry have gained a bit more knowledge about Fauzie Laily and especially the online world and its crimes. So be careful when you’re out there in the online world.

Don’t get yourselves exposed to unnecessary online bad habits and crimes okayy.. Take care, all the best to all of you and don’t forget to keep supporting our local Malay entertainment industry yeah. We are a small community, but if we all work together and keep supporting each other, we will definitely grow and be a force not to be reckoned with…Ciao!!!!!!!!!!

P.S: Oh yeah, I have an online confession. I apply for Google Alerts… So I know what ALL of you have been saying bout me. Hehehehe..PEACE!

To vote: Comment with “RGBteen code” for e.g VOTE RedGirl 1. Teencode can be found when you hover over the pictures.

Be sure to leave us your name and email!

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Download full versions of the photos by clicking on them first and then right-clicking to save.

I got hooked to the cyberworld eversince Ii discovered the beauty of blogging. The ability to express myself in words, without the hassle of writing them down in diaries. I started years ago, even before I entered into the entertainment business, and my personal blog was only known amongst my circle of friends.
 
How it has changed

Eversince Anugerah 2005, I received more random visits from people I don’t personally know - fans and even some dissatisfied strangers who will leave unnecessary remarks to bring me down. I decided to remove my tagboard for good, when I realised the continuous spamming of hateful words from irresponsible taggers. At that point of time, i could not be bothered much about tracking their IP address and to hold them responsible for all those crude messages. I was more concern with maintaining the blog’s objective as to update my friends and fans of my whereabouts and my upcoming activities. All the negativites that are visible through my blog has to be taken away and I did not want it to affect me in any way.

His experience

At one point of time, I received news about having multiple accounts in Friendster and Facebook. I had no means of reaching the creators of these accounts, but sent them each a personal message to delete those accounts in order to avoid confusion amongst the fans and my own personal friends. I had to make an announcement on my personal blog on the official e-mail that I used to create my Friendster and Facebook account so that they could add me up. This is to assure that they have added the Real ME. I find this quite crucial as to avoid any misunderstandings from cropping up and the chances of dealing with inaccurate information about me. I had experiences of stolen identity online, when my MSN account was hacked for a period of time, and when they used my name and account to reply to my online messages. It was tough for me, and i had to make a warning about bringing the case to the police and  it stopped eventually.

 
The cyberworld has helped me alot in enhancing the progression of my career in the music scene. With my own official website now, and a forum exclusively catered to the fans, I am able to have more interaction with them and they receive constant updates about my upcoming shows and events. I will regularly update my schedule online and upload any recent photos of my shows. This makes the fanclub more active thus strengthens my presence in the industry. The Facebook, Friendster, Myspace, Imeem and Youtube accounts serve as the different channels to reach more people and a wider market.

His advice
 
The Internet has grown to be very influential amongst the youths especially, in seeking everyday information, for school projects, for entertainment news and even to meet new friends. The youths must learn to be extra wise when dealing with the cyberworld. The trend of making new friends online is growing due to the availability of networking sites and chat lines like Facebook, Friendster and MIRC, just to name a few. Youths have to be mindful of the fact that anyone could create different persona online just to attract their attention.

Also, when dealing with information online, especially on entertainment news. Youths have to make double research on certain information as they are often fictitious or baseless assumptions. Sometimes, these rumours or gossips about personalities can be misleading. Youths should go to their official websites for more reliable updates. Youths have to be aware that certain content in the Internet are dubious and are advised not to trust it wholeheartedly. Youths should learn to be wise users of the Internet, be in control of it rather than be too influenced with it.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE TEENS GONE?

It’s not as easy as you think photographing people. Perhaps because school just started, most of you would be hiding at home doing your homework. TeamRGB searched high and low for teens in our colours and after hours of walking we managed to capture some smiles. Argh, we just wish we could get some boys to flash us their pearly whites!

To vote: Comment with “RGBteen code” for e.g VOTE RedGirl 1. Teencode can be found when you hover over the pictures.

Be sure to leave us your name and email!

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Last weekend, TeamRGB whipped out our flashy cameras at Lot 1 (Choa Chu Kang) and Causeway Point (Woodlands) in search of our RGBteens. You can vote for your photos or that of your friends’ from now till 1st of March 2009. The winning Mr and Miss RGB will stand a chance to win attractive prizes.

To vote: Comment with “RGBteen code” and be sure to leave us your e-mail.

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For those whose pictures have been snapped, you can download your pictures by clicking on them first and right-clicking to save.

Types of cyber terrorism websites:

• Radical websites – preach non-violence radicalism
• Extremist websites – preach radical ideology with violence
• Sympathetic websites – supports cause of extremists and the believe in their struggle
• Forums – radical ideology propagated and discussion sessions celebrated with “us versus them” attitude.

2. How do these websites influence people?

They provoke people to buy into their stories and views of what the virtual community should be. Their simple methodology through audios and videos have the aim to play with the emotions and sentiments of their preys…

3. How do the websites function?

These websites are important path to recruit future radicals, extremists, sympathizers. It is all about building their radical violent virtual community. They function as the alternative voice that represents the perceived truth. They act as professional news agencies but with providing their version of news and realities.

4. What makes the websites attractive?

They post pictures, audios and videos that may look creative and attractive but aiming towards stirring the emotions. They let the visitor feel that he belongs to the real struggle.

5. How to tell if it’s a cyber terrorism website?

Several tell-tale signs of cyber terrorism websites:

• PREACH VIOLENCE – IT IS BOTH MEANS & END
• EXCLUSIVE – “WE ARE THE TRUTH”
• IDEA OF “US VS THEM” – ANIMOSITY TOWARDS OTHERS

6. What is the best thing to do if they come across such websites?

The RGB Approach Against Cyber Terrorism:

• First, REFLECT - Be aware of existence of such websites. Reflect upon your intentions and purpose in using the internet. While the internet is an excellent source of gathering information and acquiring voluminous useful resources, there are dark sides to it too such as pornography, gambling, and others. Thus as much as they are aware of these, they should also be aware that cyber terrorism too is real and dangerous.
• Second, GUARD - Always appreciate life. Appreciating life would mean, among others, guarding your innocence against exploitation by radical and violent voices.
• Third, BROADCAST – Announce and report to relevant authorities such as the Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Religious Rehabilitation Group, MUIS, Ustaz and Ustazah (rightful religious authority through the Asatizah Recognition Board (ARB)), and surely their parents of radical websites.

7. Why should youths be concerned about cyber terrorism?

The period as a youth is filled with joy, curiosity, learning, adventure and life. Getting involved in cyber terrorism would devour youthfulness and life. A youth who falls into such trap will possess a one-sided view of the world, will be subjected to anger and violence, and will lose the essence of love, care and peace that the world can offer.

8. Where do these websites originate from, any particular source, region, country?

As long as terrorism is a global phenomenon, cyber terrorism also operates in all different regions, languages, and preferences.

9. What are you most concerned with?

Incidents of self-radicalization among youth are escalating. The creativity that these sites portray to the eye, and the emotions that they stir in the hearts do not represent truth. They are traps to recruit you into turning into a radical.

10. What are the reliable sources that youths can go to for verification?

Youths with further queries on radical ideology and cyber terrorism could visit www.rrg.sg, www.haniff.sg, www.muis.sg . There will also be a peace portal www.p4peace.com which will be launched in Feb 09.

Guilty of spending too much time online? Maintain a healthy internet lifestyle by keeping a balance of your online activities and your ‘real’ life. Stop staring at the screen already!

Take a coffee break or better still have a stroll in the park.

This week’s focus:

The Internet has made pornography easily available. People can now have access to it without having to leave their own homes or even paying for it. Pictures can be downloaded, kept or distributed through email. Anonymity online provides the extra “boldness” to visit Internet pornographic sites.

You may come into contact with pornographic materials online via:

• File sharing
• Spam mail
• Internet searches
• Hyperlinks recommended through emails and chatrooms
• Forums
• Online Ads/Pop up

The downside of pornography

• Pornography encourages a false and unachievable fantasy about sex with women at any time, in any place, in any way.
• Pornography can be addictive.
• The links that supposedly take you to a pornographic site may contain malicious Trojans, viruses, malwares. Tak pasal-pasal nanti computer adik crash!

The following are some behaviors of pornography addiction at different stages:

• Addiction – Becoming compulsive about seeing and collecting pornographic material
• Escalation- Craving for more extreme material in order to get the same level of excitement.
• Desensitization – Failing to distinguish between right and wrong, and perceiving what is abnormal to be normal.
• Acting Out Sexually- Wanting to act out the sexual behaviors viewed in the pornography material, leading to serious sexual crime.