All about Cyber Crime

Overview 

Cyber Crime is an illegal activity or crime which involves computer and a computer network. It can a also be a crime wherein a computer is targeted either to retrieve an information or for other harmful purposes. Cyber Crime can harm someone’s security and Financial Health.  There are many privacy concerns surrounding Cybercrime when confidential information is intercepted or disclosed, lawfully or otherwise. Internationally, both governmental and non-state actors engage in cybercrimes, including espionage, financial theft, and other cross-border crimes. Cybercrimes crossing international borders and involving the actions of at least one nation-state are sometimes referred to as cyberwarfare. Warren Buffet describes Cybercrime as the “number one problem with mankind”  and “poses real risks to humanity. Most, but not all, cybercrime is committed by cybercriminals or hackers who want to make money.  Cybercrime is carried out by individuals or organizations. Some cybercriminals are organized, use advanced techniques and are highly technically skilled. Others are novice hackers. Rarely, cybercrime aims to damage computers for reasons other than profit. These could be political or personal.  

Types of Cybercrime 

1. Phishing: using fake email messages to get personal information from internet users; 

2. Misusing personal information (identity theft); 

3. Hacking: shutting down or misusing websites or computer networks; 

4. spreading hate and inciting terrorism; 

5. distributing child pornography; 

6. grooming: making sexual advances to minors. 

Nowadays, all digital devices (including computers, tablets, and smartphones) are connected to the internet. And, hence the devices are more prone to cyber crime. 

Categories of Cyber Crime 

Cyber crime falls under two main categories- 

1. Criminal activity that targets 

2. Criminal activity that uses computers to commit other crimes. 

Cybercrime that targets computers often involves viruses and other types of malwares. 

Cybercriminals may infect computers with viruses and malware to damage devices or stop them working. They may also use malware to delete or steal data. 

Cybercrime that stops users using a machine or network, or prevents a business providing a software service to its customers, is called a Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack. 

Cybercrime that uses computers to commit other crimes may involve using computers or networks to spread malware, illegal information or illegal images. 

Sometimes cybercriminals conduct both categories of cybercrime at once. They may target computers with viruses first. Then, use them to spread malware to other machines or throughout a network. 

Cybercriminals may also carry out what is known as a Distributed-Denial-of-Service (DDos) attack. This is similar to a DoS attack but cybercriminals use numerous compromised computers to carry it out. 

How to protect yourself from cyber crime 

Now you have learned about cyber crimes, so let’s also know how to stay protected from it. Here are some points to consider- 

• Keep software and operating system updated– ensures that you benefit from the latest security patches to protect your computer. 
• Use antivirus and keep it updated– Using anti-virus or a comprehensive internet security solution like Kaspersky Total Security, Mc Afee, Quick heal, and other antivirus softwares are a smart way to protect your system from attacks. Anti-virus software allows you to scan, detect and remove threats before they become a problem. Having this protection in place helps to protect your computer and your data from cybercrime, giving you piece of mind. If you use anti-virus software, make sure you keep it updated to get the best level of protection. 

• Use strong passwords–  Be sure to use strong passwords that people will not guess and do not record them anywhere. Or use a reputable password manager to generate strong passwords randomly to make this easier. 
• Never open attachments in spam emails– A classic way that computers get infected by malware attacks and other forms of cybercrime is via email attachments in spam emails. Never open an attachment from a sender you do not know. 
• Do not click on links in spam emails or untrusted websites- Another way people become victims of cybercrime is by clicking on links in spam emails or other messages, or unfamiliar websites. Avoid doing this to stay safe online. 
• Do not give out personal information unless secure- Never give out personal data over the phone or via email unless you are completely sure the line or email is secure. Make certain that you are speaking to the person you think you are.  
• Contact companies directly about suspicious requests- If you get asked for data from a company who has called you, hang up. Call them back using the number on their official website to ensure you are speaking to them and not a cybercriminal. 

• Be mindful of which website URLs you visit- Keep an eye on the URLs you are clicking on. Do they look legitimate? Avoid clicking on links with unfamiliar or spammy looking URLs. If your internet security product includes functionality to secure online transactions, ensure it is enabled before carrying out financial transactions online. 
• Keep an eye on your bank statements- Our tips should help you avoid falling foul of cybercrime. However, if all else fails, spotting that you have become a victim of cybercrime quickly is important. Keep an eye on your bank statements and query any unfamiliar transactions with the bank. The bank can investigate whether they are fraudulent. 

Governments Role 

Government is also working to minimize such crimes taking place everyday, as the no. of such cases are increasing day-by-day. Government has also  created a separate branch for this named Cyber Cell. 

How can you file a complaint in cyber cell?  

Few simple steps are as follows- 

1. The very first step to file a cyber-crime complaint is to register a written complaint with the cyber-crime cell of the city are currently in. 

2. When filing the cyber crime complaint, you need to provide your name, contact details, and address for mailing. You need to address the written complaint to the Head of the Cyber Crime Cell of the city where you are filing the cyber crime complaint. 

3. In case you are a victim of online harassment, a legal counsel can be approached to assist you with reporting it to the police station. Additionally, you may be asked to provide certain documents with the complaint. This would, however, depend on the nature of the crime. 

4.  Register a Cyber Crime FIR: If you do not have access to any of the cyber cells in India, you can file a First Information Report (FIR) at the local police station. In case your complaint is not accepted there, you can approach the Commissioner or the city’s Judicial Magistrate. 

5. Certain cyber crime offenses come under the Indian Penal Code. You can register a cyber crime FIR at the nearest local police station to report them. 

6. Most of the cyber crimes that are covered under the Indian Penal Code are classified as cognizable offenses. A cognizable offense is the one in which a warrant is not required for an arrest or investigation. 

7. Zero FIR offers some solace to victims of cases that require immediate attention/investigation as it avoids wasting time in enlisting the offense on police records.