*NECO MARKETING*
*NUMBER NINE*
(9a)
Internet ethic refers to the moral principles, standards, and guidelines that govern acceptable and responsible behaviour of individuals while using the internet, including respecting the rights, privacy, and property of others, being honest, and avoiding harmful, illegal, or unethical activities online.
(9b)
(i) Cyberbullying; This involves using the internet, social media, email, chat rooms, or other digital platforms to harass, intimidate, threaten, or humiliate another person repeatedly. The aim is to cause emotional, psychological, or reputational harm. In other words cyberbullying can take the form of posting false information, spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos/videos, or sending abusive messages. According to ICT ethics, it differs from traditional bullying because it can occur 24/7 and reach a wide audience instantly. It often leads to low self-esteem, depression, and poor academic or work performance.
(ii) Hacking: This involves illegally gaining unauthorized access to another person's or organisation's computer system, network, or account. Hackers may steal data, alter files, install malware, or disrupt operations. In other words hacking is a cybercrime covered under computer crime laws. Motives include financial gain, espionage, revenge, or simply to show technical skill. There are different types: ethical hacking for security testing, and malicious hacking for fraud or sabotage. Organizations suffer data loss, financial damage, and loss of customer trust due to hacking.
(iii) Software/Data Piracy; This involves illegally copying, distributing, downloading, or using copyrighted software, music, movies, books, or other digital content without the permission of the owner or payment of appropriate licensing fees. In other words marketing and ICT textbooks classify this as intellectual property theft. It violates copyright and patent laws. Piracy reduces revenue for creators and software developers, discourages innovation, and often exposes users to viruses and malware because pirated software lacks official updates and security patches.
(iv) Phishing/Online Fraud; This involves using deceptive emails, fake websites, text messages, or social media accounts to trick individuals into revealing sensitive personal information such as passwords, bank details, credit card numbers, or PINs. The information is then used to commit financial fraud or identity theft. In other words phishing is a form of social engineering. Fraudsters often impersonate trusted institutions like banks or government agencies to gain victim trust. Other related forms include advance-fee fraud, lottery scams, and fake online shops. ICT security principles advise users to verify URLs, avoid clicking suspicious links, and use two-factor authentication to prevent phishing attacks.
