It’s our new arch-enemy, and is very often the subject in news stories. Cybercrime is here to stay, and it stands to reason, since we increasingly depend on technology to work, bank and interact.

We talked to superintendent Paul Caruana, head of the Cyber Crime Unit Malta about the field of digital law breaking.

Supt Paul Caruana said that since the unit’s inception in 2003, the type of cases they investigate evolves according to the dominant technology. The latest trend, for example, involves misuse of social networks, which were not so widespread 5 years ago.

Apart from identity theft and email scams, which are on the rise, the most heart rending cases of cybercrime involve children. Supt Paul Caruana said, “Be it chatting, webcams, social networks or online games, children are more vulnerable than we are, so it is our duty to make sure they understand the risks and know how to be safe online.” According to Supt Caruana, there is no specific age group in which children are most vulnerable, but he warned that every technology has potential pitfalls. The child’s maturity is key, and so Supt Caruana believes that parents need to communicate with their children. He went on to say, “Children often only say what they have to say just once and as parents we need to be alert to such prompting. Parents should not be afraid of expressing their fears and concerns.”

Knowing the technology is also of great help, and Supt Paul Caruana advises sitting down with your child and trying your hand at what they do online. Not only will this teach you something you may not know, it also flings the communication gates wide open. Of course, if the child is too young, there are various filtering resources, such as the free to use Naomi.

Supt Caruana is of the opinion that schools are crucial in teaching children how to use technology safely. He believes the awareness is present, but more cooperation is needed between educators, parents, law enforcement and support groups. Apart from its investigative role, the Cyber Crime Unit networks with various local agencies including the educational systems, NGOs and the private sector and holds talks on how to safely use technology with all the stakeholders. They are aware that for the majority of users, including children, the internet is a powerful tool and an enabling experience. Their aim is to keep it that way and stop the reverse from occurring.

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