Cybercrime is criminal activity that either targets or uses internet, computer, a computer network or any networked device. Most cybercrime is committed by cybercriminals or hackers who wants to make money by threating people. Whereas, occasionally cybercrime aims to damage your computers or networks for different reasons other than profit. These could be political or sometimes even personal.Cybercrime can be carried out by individuals or different institutions. Some cybercriminals are organized, use advanced techniques and are highly technically skilled.
Cybercrime consists of various malicious activities like hacking, cyber phishing, malware attacks, identity theft, online fraud, and cyberbullying. Hackers, fraudsters, scammers, criminals use technologies to misuse your sensitive information.
Why are cybercrime increasing in India?
Cybercrime has expanded for the same reasons like due to the growth of technology, growth of legal online businesses. The internet helps criminals to operate anything across borders, accessing a marketplace of victims anywhere, anytime and at scale. The internet also helps criminals to reveal their own identity, location and area. With the global financial system facing significant and growing cyber risks from increasing digitalization and geopolitical tensions.
About cyber laws
Cyber laws helps to reduce or protect people from cybercriminal activities on a large scale with the help of protecting information access from unauthorized and unidentified people, freedom of speech is related to the use of the Internet, privacy, communications, email, websites, hardware and software, such as data storage devices.
As Internet traffic is increasing rapidly day by day, it has led to a higher percentage of legal issues accross the country. Because cyber laws are different according to the country and jurisdiction, restitution ranges from fines to imprisonment, and enforcement is challenging.
IT act is a big example of cyber law in India;
It is an Act that provide legal recognition for transactions carried out by means of electronic data interchange and other means of electronic communication, commonly referred to as “electronic commerce”, which involves the use of alternatives to paper-based methods of communication and storage of information, to facilitate electronic filing of documents with the Government agencies and further to amend the Indian Penal Code, the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891 and the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.(IT ACT official website)
How can you protect yourself from Cyber attack?
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Always Set strong passwords
A strong password should be at least eight characters in length and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It can protect you from cyber attack.
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Keep your personal information private
Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords. Lock your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses,lice locations, etc. Never post in the real time.Be wary of requests to connect with people you do not know.
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Secure your internet connection
Always protect your home wireless network with a strong password. When connecting to the public with Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about what information you are sending to anyone.
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Shop safely on online sites
Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https.
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Protect yourself from identity threats
Don’t share your personal information with any anyone. They can use your information in a wrong an in a negative way.
