PL MEP Miriam Dalli says that victims of online abuse and cybercrime must be empowered with the proper tools to protect themselves against further negative consequences, including reputational damage.

Dalli was addressing a conference on supporting victims of cybercrime organised by the Brussels-based Victim Support Europe. The NGO approached Dalli following her work in the European Parliament in relation to online child abuse and the implementation of the directive combating child sexual abuse online.

"Victims need to be given access to information about how to make a complaint, how to proceed, what their rights are, how to stand up for their rights in cases where the competent authorities might not live up to their expectations, who to speak to, what to expect and how to make sure that they can proceed against the perpetrator of a crime whilst ensuring that they protect themselves from further damage," she said.

Dalli argued that governments need to ensure that justice with the victims of cybercrime is done and seen to be done. "Moreover, the general public should be equipped with the right tools and information in order to protect itself from cyber-risk."

The Labour MEP urged users to be more careful in what they post online, as personal data may be shared without understanding the ramifications and consequences.

By way of example, Dalli said that parents posting pictures of their children online may not realise that they are revealing key information such as which schools they attend and even what time they enter or leave school.

"We lock up our homes every day because that is where we hold our physical possessions. And yet we don't give our online possessions - our personal data, our financial data the same protection," she said.

Dalli went on to add that governments and authorities have a duty to protect their citizens in the online world as well.