Today in this era of digitalization information technology has become an integral part of our life. Especially in the past decade with the introduction of 4G and low cost internet connections India has seen a humongous boom in the number of internet users. Cyber technology has transformed the way we look live, from entertainment, shopping, e-payment, food delivery to online classes now during Covid, all are at the tip of our fingers. Along with its enormous advantages, the sheer amount of data we share may open us to various cyber threats.
The term cybercrime is not defined in Information Technology act, 2000 nor in its amendment act of 2008 or in any other Indian Statute. Instead cyber crimes under Indian Penal Code have been elaborately dealt with by listing various suitable punishments for the offence committed under IT act. In simple terms any crime or offence where a computer is used is a cyber crime. The word computer includes all gadgets used for such crime.
Right Skill = Bright Future
Difference between cyber security and cyber crime.
Cyber security and cyber crime are almost similar but both have some little differences. Cyber security crimes are mostly done by groups of individuals or organized groups which may have in their group computer experts. They usually target either the government or large corporations for ransom or to send any public message mostly. Whereas those involved in cyber crimes mostly target individuals or groups of individuals and rarely governments or people occupying high public offices. They usually subject their victims to cyber bullying, hate speech, child pornography etc. In general cyber crimes can be classified as against individuals , government , property and society. In this article I have focused on cyber crimes against individuals.
What does Crime against individuals include?
As told earlier cyber crimes are mostly done by perverted individuals with a motive to cause you either physical or mental distress. They range from indecent representation of women, cyber bullying, cyber stalking, child abuse, fraud, cheating , email spoofing, harassment via electronic media and cyber defamation to lower reputation of a person.
How to Protect Yourself from Cyber crimes?
Nobody in this digital age is said to be completely safe from cybercrimes. But one can follow a few steps to protect his/her privacy and safeguard against cyber crimes. Following are the few steps which can be helpful in preventing yourself from becoming the victim of cyber crimes.
Be cautious while you upload anything on the internet, be it in Instagram , Facebook, Google or your LinkedIn account or in any other websites or applications. The personal details you share are probably going to stay online forever and it is extremely difficult to remove the information completely from the internet.
Don’t allow public access to your profile unless it is very much needed. As crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, those who are involved in cyber crime may use personal details and photos and use it elsewhere without your consent.
- Be aware while clicking unsuspecting links which come to your mail or while downloading applications form links which are from unverified sources. They may hack your device.
- Block the cyber bully and report them to the service providers. Certain platforms like twitter, Instagram and Facebook have clear redressal mechanisms to protect its users.
- If in case the cyber crime is of serious nature, if you do not have access to any of the cyber cells lodge an FIR in the nearest police station. In case your complaint is not accepted you can approach the commissioner or the judicial magistrate of your city
- Avoid replying or sharing hurtful posts or comments.
- Collect and save messages that were used against you. Such posts or messages may be used as evidence in case legal action is to be taken.
- Do not discard or sell your device without completely wiping or erasing all the data from it.
- Do not store the financial details, bank statements and bank account details online. Also pay using card or online traction only in verified websites.
- Be careful while using public Wi-Fi as anyone who is connected to the same network can be able to access your device – unless you use a virtual private network (VPN). Read about NordVPN’s features, for example, to see how much security and peace of mind can be added by using a VPN.
Conclusion
The role of the internet in the present era has increased rapidly. Along with this the cyber crimes too have increased. They may access all or any of the data you have posted online intentionally or unintentionally without your consent for unlawful purposes. Therefore it is best to keep yourself aware of cyber crimes and the ways to prevent it.
