For this blog post, Get Cyber Safe has partnered with the National Cybercrime Coordination Centre (NC3), who, like us, understands how important cyber security is to businesses as well as individuals. This blog presents their perspective, and we thank them for being a dedicated partner in the cyber security of Canadians.
Adam watches as his friend enters their username and password into an online messaging platform. Later, Adam logs into the friend's account and deletes several messages. What may seem like a harmless use of technology is actually an offence under the Criminal Code. By deleting or changing computer data, Adam prevented his friend from lawfully accessing their computer data. Perhaps unknowingly, Adam committed mischief in relation to computer data under Section 430 (1.1).
These days, youth may not understand the consequences of illegal activities online. Unfortunately, the internet is full of opportunities to practice new technological skills in the wrong places. Often, young people commit cyber crimes without even realizing they are breaking the law. While this can start small, these actions have serious legal consequences. Practicing cyber crime opens the possibility of serious repercussions and young Canadians also risk missing out on exciting avenues to use their technological skills for good.
At the RCMP's National Cybercrime Coordination Centre (NC3), we strive to divert potential cyber offenders towards lawful use of their skills and help Canadian youth make informed choices when using technology. Through learning about illegal cyber activity and the Criminal Code, our goal is for young Canadians to use technology in positive and legal ways.
Understanding cybercrime
When technology plays an important role in committing a criminal offence, it may be considered a cybercrime. In Canada, we understand cybercrimes as falling into two categories:
- Tech-as-target: Criminals may use computers or software to steal data or disrupt services. This could involve using malicious software (malware) to illegally access data, hacking to steal personal information or disrupting systems with distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks.
- Tech-as-instrument: Offenders may use the internet or other technologies to commit crimes like identity theft or fraud, often through online scams such as phishing
While the NC3 focuses on coordinating investigations and providing support in the fight against tech-as-target crimes, Canadian organizations like the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre focus on tech-as-instrument crimes, where a criminal may use the internet or digital technologies to commit another crime.
Explaining the Criminal Code
Cybercrime is a serious criminal offence. Anyone who commits a cybercrime could face real consequences, including young people. Familiarizing youth with the Criminal Code can not only help younger individuals grasp the nature and seriousness of these offences, but also motivate them to use their technological skills in legal ways.
The following explanations can provide youth with approachable examples that may help parents and educators explain the Criminal Code:
- Section 430 (1.1) example: Eric changes the passwords on his school's network to make it impossible for other students to use the system
- Section 342.1 example: Natalie downloads software that will allow her to log into her girlfriend's laptop without permission even if Natalie hasn't used the software yet
- Section 184 example: Leah sets her phone to record audio and leaves it in a room with her friends without their knowledge. She later listens to their private conversation about her.
While these are meaningful educational tools, these examples could apply to more than one offence and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
Propelling youth towards positive cyber opportunities
Interests in technology can spark bright futures. Young Canadians with interests in coding, gaming or anything digital have many opportunities to use their skills in lawful and exciting ways. Cyber security is an emerging area, with an array of dynamic and rewarding career paths. These could include:
- Cybersecurity analysts, who identify and detect cyber threats while working to prevent and respond to future incidents
- Secure software developers, who design, test and implement essential systems that keep data safe
- Network security operators, who administer and maintain essential systems to ensure their security and performance
- Legal advisors and policy analysts, who provide support and critical insight to guide an organization towards strong cyber security
From software development to communications, a diverse support team is required to help analyze and combat the complexities of cybercrime. Parents and educators can help young people understand that their unique skills are not only valuable, but vital in the complex fight against cybercrime.
Spark young imaginations with these exciting career paths in cyber and help guide youth towards the lawful use of their cyber talents. To learn more, explore the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's Career Guide.