Officer Ward

Officer Ward
Cyber Defender & Detention Center Security Officer

Officer Ward believes that most people who disrespect the privelages of Cyberspace are more ignorant than criminal, and that most cyber criminals can be rehabilitated into faithful cyber citizens through education about the dangers of delinquency in Cyberspace.

Working closely with Commander Omni and the Cyber Defense Academy, Officer Ward hopes to secure Cyberspace for everyone.

Favorite Quote:

It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible, but also for what we do not do
- John Baptiste Moliere

Favorite Food:

Cupcakes

Interests:

Coaching softball, fishing, catching cyber criminals

January 29 2008

Systems Test

I've taken bits of the code used in the previous Cyber Villain attacks to devise a test against our new systems. I just want to make sure that we don't suffer from the same kinds of attacks that have been plaguing us lately. So far the new systems are performing like a dream. I'm so relieved.

posted by Officer Ward
topic: Cyberspace Updates

January 24 2008

New Systems

I've been working with Dr. Keen's new security company as they've been working to install new security systems around the school. I have to admit these fellows know what they are up to. It will be a huge burden off my shoulders to finally have a security system that works.

posted by Officer Ward
topic: Cyberspace Updates

January 21 2008

Cyber Crimes: Identity Theft

Identity theft is when you use someone else's personal information and pretend to be them. It can happen offline as well as in Cyberspace. Cyber criminals will often commit identity theft in order to steal money from someone's bank account or buy things with their credit cards. Even simply pretending to be someone else when you're in a chat room or using someone else's credit card without their permission are forms of identity theft.

Identity theft is a major cyber crime and is punishable by several years in prison and fines up to $250,000. It can take a long time for a victim to recover from the attack, and sometimes they never get everything back that was stolen from them. To protect yourself from identity theft, you should be extremely careful with the information you share in Cyberspace, and never share any personal information.

If a Web site requires credit card or bank account information, always check with a trusted adult to help you verify if the site is trustworthy and secure. Never use someone else's credit card without their permission. Fortunately many banks and credit card companies provide protection against identity theft, but you can never be too careful!

Be sure to check Betty's tips on Personal Information and Safe Online Communications to learn more about what information is dangerous to share online.

posted by Officer Ward
topic: Cyber Crimes

January 18 2008

Quiet on the Cell Block

Now that all of the detainees have escaped the Detention Center is as quiet as a tomb. Frankly I'm beginning to miss them. I hope the kids are doing okay. Jax had such a sweet and sensitive side. You could hardly believe she was a cyber bully. And Sparky had such wonderful ideas about how to improve communications in Internet games.

I hope they didn't stay with Nils and have gone back to their families. Of course, we'll have to find them and bring them back in to complete their time as detainees.

posted by Officer Ward
topic: Miscellaneous

January 10 2008

Crumbling Security

I could just scream right now! I told Omni I needed more help shoring up the firewall. I can't be the only one responsible for maintaining security in this place. Every one of us needs to be careful of what we download and what programs we run.

Ms. Information would never have succeeded if we hadn't fallen for her false information. Right now all of our security systems are down outside of the temporary firewall Dr. Keen set up.

posted by Officer Ward
topic: Cyberspace Updates

January 7 2008

Cyber Criminal Profile: Elvirus

Knowledge is the best weapon against cyber crime. It's important to know as much as you can about cyber criminals so you can learn how to defeat them.

Alias: Elvirus
Real Name: Unknown
Location: Email attachments, downloaded files
Primary attack: Virus
Weakness: Anti-virus software and other security programs, the cold shoulder

Elvirus infects files all over Cyberspace with her sneaky viruses by tempting people into opening them and unleashing the malware. She flirts with you by sending email attachments promising cool games or funny pictures that secretly contain harmful malware. She can even hide viruses in music files, free software, or other downloadable files.

Elvirus' contaminated files look harmless, but her viruses can cause severe damage to your computer. She can be even more dangerous if she gains access to your computer. She can even use your computer to attack others!

To defend yourself, be very careful with files from Cyberspace and email attachments. Ask a trusted adult before downloading any files, download only from reliable sources, and scan everything with anti-virus software before you open it. Also, scan all email attachments before opening and don't open email attachments from people you don't know.

Elvirus is a dangerous Cyber Villain, but she can be defeated!

posted by Officer Ward
topic: Cyber Criminals