In the recently released 2011 Norton Cyber Crime Report, it was revealed that 431 million adults worldwide have fallen victims to cybercrime in the past year. At the sixth annual meeting of Internet Governance Forum, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, 27-30 September, it was brought to attention that cybercrime is on the increase and vulnerable groups are being targeted.

In South Africa, cybercrime has reached significant proportions after the death of a women who was allegedly gang-raped after responding to a job ad she found online.

In a most recent case, a man known as the "Facebook rapist" is being sought by South African police for over 30 crimes, including murder. He is known for telling young, beautiful women that he can secure them jobs in the modelling industry and then swindles them out of cellphones, laptops and cash. In 'Beware of job hunting and employment scams in classifieds', some insight is given on how not to fall victim to cybercrime.

For the second time in two weeks, South African minister of communications, Roy Padayachie evoked the issue of cybersecurity, which he said was no longer a heresy, but a real challenge. This he said at the 42nd International Institute of Communications (IIC) conference, taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa, which aims at discussing, among others, issues of broadband development and digital services.

The Internet has made most things a lot easier in the world, but has also opened doors to many evils. I urge you to be extra cautious when setting up an online identity and to be alert at all times.

PS: If you didn't already know, Bizcommunity have launched 16 new portals and newsletters, and if you are interested in submitting news take a look at our guide "How to contribute to Bizcommunity, from op-ed pieces to news".

Safe surfing!

Evan-Lee Courie (@evan1985)

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