Cyber crime is the most discussed issue of the 21st century. The technology sector worldwide is witnessing  a boom in the consumer of smart phones and the internet which is raising concerns with regard to the privacy and security of the users. Owing to this reason, it is highly essential for all the users to know about cyber crime & security.  As a result, thi topic has become the most favourite topic of the examiner and can often be seen asked in the exams.  In this view, students must have information on cyber crime and stay prepared to tackle such topics in the essay question in the English paper.

Introduction

Cybercrime is a dangerous attack a company or an individual may face. There are many cases where the cyber attack has brought massive loss to the company and individuals due to the data hack. We live in a technology-driven era, and every piece of information is now fed on computers. Cybercrime involves an attack on computers and digital devices. These cyber-attacks can prove hazardous not just for the organization, but also for the nation. To date, there are many digital attack cases in India and global, pushing for more security measures. These attacks are also affecting the economy of the country if not controlled in the initial stage.

What is Cybercrime?

Cybercrime or attack is defined as the systematic criminal activity occurring digitally and done by attackers. There are many examples of cybercrime, including fraud, malware viruses, cyber stalking and others. Due to these, government agencies and companies are investing more in the maintenance and hiring of cybercrime experts. 

Earlier, cybercrime was committed only by individuals or by small groups. However, now a highly complex cybercriminals network works on attacking the system for data collection.

Three groups of cybercrimes-

1. Individual
2. Property
3. Government

Individual

This is the form of cyber stalking, trafficking, and grooming. Over the years, this type of cybercrime has been taken seriously by law enforcement agencies. It is now keeping a track over every such attack on an individual.

Property

Similar to the real world where criminals steal the property, in the cyber world,

attackers steal data. Here, the attacker steals a person's bank details and

misuse the credit card for online purchase. By using malicious software, the

attacker attacks the property to disrupt the system of the organization.

Government

These types of crimes are denoted as cyber terrorism. This can be a terror because the attacker can get hold of essential documents related to government projects. An enemy nation or terrorist usually makes such attacks. There are many cases globally where a terrorist hacks government data. Apart from these, there is a financial crime where the hacker steals the money of the user account holder. Moreover, they steal company data and finance.

Hacking

In this type, the computer system of the person is hacked to get personal

information. In many countries, including India, hacking is a punishable act.

It is quite different from ethical hacking. In normal hacking, illegal use

different types of software to enter the system of the target person. Hacker is

then able to monitor every activity done by the person.

Theft

This Cybercrime is about violating copyright and downloading music or movies. In India, many movies before their releases are leaked on the movie download sites. In other words, theft is also called privacy, which can bring a huge loss to the organization.

Cyber Stalking

It is online harassment by an individual or a group of people. Normally, these

stalkers target an individual and harass online. There are many cases of

cyberstalking in India, resulting in the target person ending up taking

self-life.

Malicious Software

These are computer-based cybercrimes where virus-based software is installed in the

target people or organization computers. This is to damage the system and

corrupt the data of the target.

Laws Related to Cybercrime

In India, there are many cybercrime laws enacted to stop this threat. Be it for

the individual or the organization; these laws help to either bring down the

number of cases or eliminate these digital crimes.

Apart from these laws, as an individual, you also need to take steps to stop these crimes. Like, not providing your login details, installing trust anti-virus

software and keeping your online profile private can help to act against such

crimes.

Conclusion

Cybercrime is a significant threat that can bring huge loss to the individual and the organization. It is essential to follow basic online rules to ensure the safety

of self and the organization.

Mr SHIV VIJAY DUBEY
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
SCHOOL OF LAW
OPJS UNIVERSITY