# Online Problems
### 1. Overview

- The internet brings huge benefits, but also serious **risks for users, companies and society**.
- Online problems can be **technical** (viruses, attacks) or **social / psychological** (bullying, addiction).

### 2. Malware

- **Malware** = malicious software designed to damage, steal or disrupt.
- **Virus** – attaches to a program, spreads when executed.
- **Worm** – spreads by itself over a network.
- **Trojan horse** – pretends to be useful software.
- **Ransomware** – encrypts files and demands money (WannaCry, NotPetya).
- **Spyware / keylogger** – steals information.
- **Adware** – floods the user with ads.
- **Botnet** – many infected devices controlled remotely (used for DDoS attacks).

### 3. Phishing & scams

- **Phishing** = fake emails / messages / websites trying to steal logins, card details.
- **Spear phishing** – targeted phishing of a specific person.
- **Smishing** – phishing via SMS; **vishing** – phishing via voice call.
- **Romance scams, fake job offers, fake e-shops, fake delivery notifications**.
- Red flags: spelling mistakes, urgent tone, suspicious links, asking for personal data or payment.

### 4. Hacking & data breaches

- **Hackers** exploit vulnerabilities in software / networks.
- **Data breaches** at companies leak millions of usernames, passwords, emails, card numbers (LinkedIn, Yahoo, Adobe, Equifax, T-Mobile).
- **DDoS** – distributed denial of service – overloads servers with traffic.
- **SQL injection, XSS, zero-day exploits.**

### 5. Identity theft

- Criminals use stolen personal data to:
    - open accounts in your name
    - take out loans
    - file fake tax returns
    - commit other crimes
- Hard and slow to clean up.

### 6. Cyberbullying

- Insulting, threatening or humiliating someone online.
- Especially common among **teenagers**.
- Tools: social media, messaging apps, comments, "anonymous" accounts.
- Can cause **depression, anxiety, school refusal, suicide** in extreme cases.
- Help: block, report, save evidence, talk to parents / teachers / police; in CZ also Linka bezpečí.

### 7. Hate speech & trolling

- **Hate speech** – attacking people for race, religion, gender, orientation.
- **Trolls** – post provocative content to upset others.
- **Doxxing** – publishing someone’s private information online.
- Many platforms try to fight it with moderation and AI, but enforcement is inconsistent.

### 8. Fake news & disinformation

- **Fake news** – false information published as news.
- **Disinformation** – spread intentionally (e.g. political or war propaganda).
- **Misinformation** – spread by mistake.
- **Deepfakes** – AI-generated fake videos / audio.
- **Echo chambers / filter bubbles** – algorithms show us only what we already agree with.

### 9. Privacy issues

- Big tech (**Google, Meta, TikTok, Microsoft, Amazon**) collect huge amounts of data.
- Tracking via **cookies, fingerprinting, location**.
- Data used for **targeted advertising** and sold to data brokers.
- The **EU’s GDPR** (since 2018) gives users more control.

### 10. Addictions

- **Social media addiction** – endless scrolling, dopamine loops.
- **Gaming addiction** – officially recognised by WHO.
- **Pornography addiction.**
- **Online gambling.**
- **Doom-scrolling** – constantly consuming negative news.

### 11. Mental-health impact

- Comparison with influencers’ "perfect lives".
- **Low self-esteem, anxiety, depression.**
- **Sleep problems** from blue light and late-night phone use.
- **FOMO** – fear of missing out.

### 12. Child safety online

- **Grooming** – adults befriending children with bad intentions.
- **Inappropriate content** – violence, pornography, dangerous "challenges".
- Parents should use **parental controls**, talk to children, limit screen time.

### 13. How to protect yourself

- **Strong, unique passwords** + **password manager** (Bitwarden, 1Password).
- **Two-factor authentication (2FA)** – use an app, not SMS if possible.
- Install **updates** quickly.
- Use **antivirus** and a **firewall**.
- Don’t click suspicious links / attachments.
- Use a **VPN** on public Wi-Fi.
- Be careful what you share publicly.
- Make regular **backups** (3-2-1 rule).
- Check privacy settings on social media.

### 14. Useful vocabulary

- To hack, to phish, to scam, to leak, to breach, to spoof.
- Login credentials, password, encryption, firewall, antivirus.
- Vulnerability, exploit, patch, zero-day.
- Block, report, mute, delete account, log out.

### 15. Speaking strategy

Split problems into technical (malware, phishing, hacking) and social (cyberbullying, fake news, addiction, mental health). Give examples (ransomware attack, social media scandal). Mention GDPR and AI deepfakes as modern issues. Finish with practical protection tips (passwords, 2FA, backups).