How to Prevent Cybercrime in India?

Cybercrime is widespread and unavoidable since viruses are everywhere! You may wish to understand how to prevent cybercrime, but the truth is that it is almost impossible to prevent cybercrimes. 

However, you can take precautions to help safeguard yourself from cybercrime.

Cybercrime is a persistent concern, and given the current situation of remote working because of the global pandemic, cyber scams in India are on the rise. 

We, as common citizens believe that cybercrimes are only limited to hackers trying to breach our financial data. However, cybercrimes are a part of a much bigger picture which does not include money but is also something that’s always changing with new threats emerging every year. 

How can you prevent yourself from cybercrime given all the risks? There are ways to safeguard oneself from cybercrime. Let us first understand what it is and the ways to prevent cybercrime. 

What is Cybercrime?

Cybercrime is defined as criminal activity that involves the use of a computer, a computer network, or a networked device. It includes security breaches, theft, and financial exposure. Online blackmailing, Cyberstalking, revenge porn, Cyber Trolling, harassment, and child sexual exploitation are also forms of cybercrime.

What are the safety tips for cybercrime prevention?

Following are 5 safety tips for cybercrime. 

1. Use strong passwords

Don't use the same password on many sites and change your passwords on a pretty regular basis. 

Make the passwords difficult. There’s a reason why it is mandatory to make use of at least ten letters, symbols and numbers. To make this easier and to keep your passwords secure, you can use a password management tool to generate strong passwords at random.

2. Keep your software up-to-date

This is especially important when it comes to operating systems and internet security software. To obtain access to your system, cybercriminals usually employ known exploits or software faults. Patching those exploits and loopholes can reduce your chances of being a target for cybercrime. 

3. Strengthen your home network

Beginning with a strong encryption password and a virtual private network is a good idea. All traffic that leaves your device is encrypted until it reaches its destination, thanks to a VPN. Only encrypted data is visible to fraudsters trying to break into your connection line. VPNs are the best available tool that we can make use of whenever we’re using public wi-fi in a restaurant, hotel, airport, or café. 

4. Manage your social media settings

Keep your personal and confidential information secure. With just a few data points, social engineering fraudsters may typically obtain your personal information, thus the less you reveal publicly, the better. For example, revealing the name of your pet or your mother's maiden name could reveal the answers to two typical security questions.

5. Don’t fall for fraud emails or pop-ups 

Email attachments in spam emails are a common way for computers to become infected with malware and other forms of cybercrime. Opening an attachment from an unknown source is highly risky and one should refrain from doing so. Another way of becoming prey to cybercrimes is clicking on links mentioned in spam emails and unknown websites. Moreover, if a pop-up window asks for your username and password, don’t give it. In order to stay safe online, all of this must be avoided. 

Opening an attachment from an unknown source is highly risky and one should refrain from doing so. Another way of becoming prey to cybercrimes is clicking on links mentioned in spam emails and unknown websites.

What are the Laws against cybercrime in India?

The Indian government has the Information Technology Act, 2000 in place to restrict such acts that infringe an Internet user's rights. Here are a few of its sections that aim to empower Internet users while also attempting to protect cyberspace.

Section 65 – Meddling with computer source documents 

When computer source code (such as programmes, computer commands, design and layout) is needed to be maintained by law, a person who willfully conceals, destroys, or alters it, commits an offence punishable by three years in jail or a fine of two lakhs INR, or both.

Section 66 – Using Someone else’s Password

A person who illegally uses another person's password, digital signature, or other unique identities can face up to three years in prison and a fine of one lakh INR.

Section 66 D – Cheating using another resource

If someone deceives someone by impersonating them on the internet or through social media, they will be penalised. Up to 3 years in prison and/or a fine of Rs. 1 lakh are possible penalties.

Section 66 E – Using someone’s private images  

It is punishable to knowingly take someone's private photos and post them on the internet or social media without their permission. The sentence could be up to three years in prison and/or a fine of Rs. three lakhs.

Section 66 F – Cyber Terrorism Act

If a person refuses an authorised person access to a computer resource or attempts to penetrate/access a computer resource without authority with the intent to endanger the nation's unity, integrity, security, or sovereignty, he or she faces life imprisonment. This is a non-bailable offence.

Section 67 – Publishing Inappropriate material 

If you transfer, circulate or upload vulgar or inappropriate material on the internet or social media, you could be fined. The sentence could be up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of Rs. 10 lakhs.

You may also be interested in: HOW TO REGISTER A CYBERCRIME COMPLAINT ONLINE?

Cyberbullying Laws in India

Some sections that deal with offenses against cyberbullying in the Indian Penal Code are mentioned below.

Section 507

This section punishes anyone who mistreats another person anonymously over the internet or social media and threatens or forces them to do something against their will. The sentence might last up to two years.

Section 509

If a man tries to offend a woman's modesty in any way, including on the internet or social media, he can be imprisoned for up to one year, with or without a fine. 

Section 354(C)

This section makes it illegal to photograph a lady without her permission or consent when she is in her personal space. The sentence may be from 1-3 years, but if the accused continues to commit the crime, he will be imprisoned for 3-7 years.

Section 354(D)

One can be punished if someone stalks or observes someone's daily activities on the internet without their knowledge with the intent to harm or hurt them. The sentence might last up to three years.

Section 499

Anyone who defames someone can be penalised under this section. Defamation might take place on the internet or through social media.

FAQs

1. What is Information Technology Act, 2000?

The Information Technology Act, 2000 ("IT Act"), which went into effect on October 17, 2000, contains cyber laws in India. The Act's principal purpose is to give legal legitimacy to electronic commerce and make filing electronic records with the government easier.

2. What are the different types of cybercrimes?

Mentioned below are some common types of cybercrimes.

• Phishing
• Cyber Extortion
• Data Breach
• Identity theft
• Harassment

3. How to prevent cybercrime in banking?

Scammer attempt banking Fraud with the help InternetFollowing are some ways to prevent cybercrime in banking.

• Securing Your Passwords.
• Keeping Your Software Updated.
• Reinforcing Your Home Network.
• Using Full-Service Internet Security.
• Recognizing Email Phishing.
• Managing Your Settings.
• Beware of Identity Theft.

Author Bio: Adv. Taranjit Singh is a distinguished advocate specializing in commercial and civil law. With over 15 years of experience, Adv. Taranjit brings a wealth of expertise in governance, advanced contracting, procurement, cyber security, and technology law.

For the past few years, Adv. Taranjit has served as an Independent Counsel at the Bombay High Court, where his legal expertise and unwavering dedication to his clients have earned him widespread respect and admiration in the legal community.

Link: https://restthecase.com/lawyer/details/58710