Know the Rules of Cyber Ethics

Cyber ethics refers to the code of responsible behavior on the Internet. Just as we are taught to act responsibly in everyday life, with lessons such as "Don't take what doesn't belong to you," and "Do not harm others," -- we must act responsibly in the cyber world as well. The basic rule is do not do something in cyber space that you would consider wrong or illegal in everyday life.

When determining responsible behaviors, consider the following:

• Do not use rude or offensive language.
• Don't be a bully on the Internet.
• Do not call people names, lie about them, send embarrassing pictures of them, or do anything else to try to hurt them.
• Do not copy information from the Internet and claim it as yours. That is called plagiarism.
• Adhere to copyright restrictions when downloading material including software, games, movies, or music from the Internet.
• Do not break into someone else's computer.
• Do not use someone else's password.
• Do not attempt to infect or in any way try to make someone else's computer unusable.

For more information, please visit:

• U.S Department of Justice
• MS-ISAC Cyber Security Newsletter Tips
• Symantec
• Cyber-Ethics Champions Code
• NCSA

Partnerships
Additional information and resources for educating citizens on cyber issues and implementing sound cyber security practices are available at the following websites:

• DHS United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team
• National Cyber Security Alliance