INTRODUCTION
In simple terms, Cybercrime occurs when criminal activities are carried out by means of a computer or the Internet. It can be done in two ways:
- When a computer used as an object to commit a crime.
- When a computer used as a tool to commit an offense.
Cybercrime is more dangerous than conventional crimes because the identity is not revealed as and when the crime is committed. Though through the IP address of the computer the source can be established but the tracing of a true culprit, the one who has actually done the crime is difficult.
For the protection of people from Cybercrimes and for the applicability of the laws Information Technology Act, 2000 came into force. This act was enforced to provide legal recognition to electronic communication.
Cybercrime can be committed in different ways. Some of them are:
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Trojan Attack
It appears to be useful software when looked at the first. It can do serious damage when installed. The source from where the emails are received looks like a legitimate source and people do tend to institute the link given. They create a backdoor in your system so that the malign user can get access to your system.
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Email Spamming
An email spamming has three main characteristics:
- The identity of the sender is concealed.
- The email is sent to large groups of people.
- The email is not requested by the receiver.
They are sent as a part of large collective messages, all having identical content.
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Email spoofing
Email spoofing contains the fraudulent email header so that the message appears to have been originated from someone or somewhere other than the actual source. The mail is sent by altering the sender’s information.
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Phishing
Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.
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Hacking
As per section 66 of the Act, hacking means wrongful loss or damage by destroying, altering or deleting any information residing in a computer, or decreases its utility or affects it injuriously by any means. An offense shall punish with imprisonment up to 3 years, or with fine which may extend up to 2,00,000/-, or with both.
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Grooming
Grooming is the conduct involving harassment or seduction of a minor by an adult to obtain some kind of sexual gratification.
Section 43
It states that the penalty for damage to a computer or computer system etc. Any person who hampers the computer system by extracting any data without the permission of the owner, introducing any computer virus, cause damage to the computer, disrupts the functioning of the computer, tampers or manipulates the computer. He or she shall be liable to pay rupees one crore as compensation to the party affected.
Section 65
It states that any person who conceals destroys or alters the computer, computer program, and computer network, shall be punishable with imprisonment up to three years or with fine which may extend up to two lakh rupees, or both.
Section 67
As per this section, the person who publishes or transmit the obscene material in electronic form shall be punished with on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years and with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees and in the event of a second or subsequent conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years and also with fine which may extend to two lakh rupees.
The advancement of technology can sometimes be a bane in society because of the increasing number of rates of Cybercrime. Technology is enhancing for the betterment of the country. And that same technology is being used for the destruction of society. The situation becomes much severe when a computer is used as a source for committing child pornography, identity theft [misusing personal information], online harassment and other Cybercrimes.
The government of India has come up with the Cybercrime reporting portal. And people can read the frequently asked questions related to cyber-crime and can also report the incidents of Cybercrime. The portal also provides online safety tips for the protection of the Cybercrime.
Section 48
It states for the establishment of the one or more Cyber Appellate Tribunal. It shall also state that the matters and the place of its jurisdiction.
The Internet has made our lives easier but some people use it for taking advantage of other people. It is our responsibility to protect ourselves from internet fraud. We can do this by keeping ourselves informed of the upcoming Cybercrime. We should also know how they can be protected. It is important to keep our computers upgraded. We should install in them antiviruses, verify the platform on which we are providing our personal information. Do not share our electronic record details with anyone.
BROWSE SAFE, BE SAFE!