The legal system continues to evolve regarding online and technology related incidents. Below is information regarding cybersafety issues and strategies for protection.

From the Federal Bureau of Investigation:
Protect Yourself
Taking the right security measures and being alert and aware when connected are key ways to prevent cyber intrusions and online crimes. Learn how to protect your computer, network, and personal information.

Understand Common Crimes and Risks Online
 Business email compromise (BEC) scams exploit the fact that so many of us rely on email to conduct business—both personal and professional—and it’s one of the most financially damaging online crimes.
 Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information, like your Social Security number, and uses it to commit theft or fraud.
 Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, that prevents you from accessing your computer files, systems, or networks and demands you pay a ransom for their return.
 Spoofing and phishing are schemes aimed at tricking you into providing sensitive information to scammers.
 Online predators are a growing threat to young people.
 More common crimes and scams

Cyber Safety Tips
Internet-enabled crimes and cyber intrusions are becoming increasingly sophisticated and preventing them requires each user of a connected device to be aware and on guard.
 Keep systems and software up to date and install a strong, reputable anti-virus program.
 Be careful when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network and do not conduct any sensitive transactions, including purchases, when on a public network.
 Create a strong and unique passphrase for each online account and change those passphrases regularly.
 Set up multi-factor authentication on all accounts that allow it.
 Examine the email address in all correspondence and scrutinize website URLs before responding to a message or visiting a site
 Don’t click on anything in unsolicited emails or text messages.
 Be cautious about the information you share in online profiles and social media accounts. Sharing things like pet names, schools, and family members can give scammers the hints they need to guess your passwords or the answers to your account security questions.
 Don’t send payments to unknown people or organizations that are seeking monetary support and urge immediate action.^[1]

Sexting Laws
State laws on sexting vary widely, from decriminalization to misdemeanor charges or prosecution for child pornography with stiff sentences. Teen behavior and digital invention have outpaced the development of new laws. This can result in undesirable legal consequences for teens. There are now legal consequences for “revenge porn”, when a person shares nude photos of their past partner. Unfortunately, legal punishment cannot take away the damage that has already been done. Although knowledge of the potential legal consequences may deter some, prevention continues to be the best avenue.

Know the Laws Regarding Cyberbullying
Some criminal prosecutors have been able to use existing criminal harassment laws to prosecute cyberbullies in public schools. Now, nearly half of U.S. states include “cyberbullying” in their broader bullying or harassment laws. Most states also include a prohibition on “electronic harassment.” The trend is to hold offenders accountable for bullying behavior on- and off-campus, but only about a dozen states have school sanctions for cyberbullying actions committed off-campus. Depending on the state, victims
may be able to seek remedies in civil courts or try to convince criminal prosecutors to take the behavior seriously enough to consider criminal charges. Most states have school sanctions for cyberbullying or electronic harassment in general. Bullying in New York is defined as threats, intimidation or abuse that unreasonably and substantially interferes with the victim’s educational performance, opportunities, or mental, physical or emotional health. Bullying can apply even if it occurs off school property, so long as it would create a foreseeable risk that the bullying acts might reach school property.^[2]

Know the Law Regarding “Revenge Porn” or Image Abuse

Prohibited Actions: Most states define the crime of revenge porn as any person, with the intent to harass or annoy another person,
who:

• Publishes or distributes electronic or printed photographs, pictures, or films that:
• Show the genitals, anus, or female breast of the other person, or
• Depicts that person engaged in sexual activity.
• In some states, a judge may require the defendant to register as a sex offender if convicted.^[3]

Are there laws against stalking?

Yes. Stalking is a crime. Learn more about the laws against stalking in your state at the Stalking Resource Center. http://www.victimsofcrime.org/our-programs/stalking-resource-center/stalking-laws

You can file a complaint with the police and get a restraining order (court order of protection) against the stalker. Federal law says that you can get a restraining order for free. Do not be afraid to take steps to stop your stalker.^[4]

There is also the Combat Online Predators Act to help protect victims. Public Law No: 116-249