Many young people live in the virtual world of the internet, a place of great learning and opportunity, but also of great danger for the unwary.
Identity theft — the use of personal information without permission — is one of the greatest risks facing those who spend many hours online. Personal details can be used to fraudulently apply for credit cards and loans, among other things.
Dr Esma Aimeur, Full Professor and Co-Chair of the Masters in E-commerce programme at Universite de Montreal, has said young people are at ease sharing details about themselves and live in an age where it is "accepted that privacy is an illusion".
But, just like in the real world, young people need to protect themselves by using a bit of common sense. There are lots of security options that can be used to operate safely in the virtual world. Young people must log on to them.
