CURRENT SCENARIO OF CYBERCRIME AND CYBERSECURITY IN INDIA

 

The Internet is growing rapidly in India and around the world. Everything you can imagine is happening on the internet, from limited 3g connections in 2014 to almost every household with a 4g smartphone in India, we have seen the rapid growth of the internet. With the growing internet usage, there are some threats from the internet. Cybercrimes or online crimes like e-fraud, cyberbullying, and stalking. Cybercrime refers to criminal activities targeting or utilizing computers, computer networks, or networked devices. These activities can range from financial fraud to data theft and even political or personal sabotage. As there is cybercrime, there is cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is a term that refers to the practice of protecting data and devices from hackers and cybercrimes by taking precautions. In this article, we will look at a few laws for cybercrimes, preventive measures, and how to file a cybercrime complaint.

 

Ø LAWS FOR CYBERCRIME

 

v IPC ( INDIAN PENAL CODE )  - Traditional offenses like theft, fraud, defamation, and mischief are subject to the Indian penal code.

 

·       Section 354D – This section deals with Stalking, both electronically and physically, as per this section “Any man who takes after a lady and contacts, or endeavors to contact such lady to cultivate individual interaction more than once despite a clear sign of lack of engagement by such lady or screens the utilize by a lady of the intrigued, e-mail or any other shape of electronic communication, commits the offense of stalking.”

 

·       Section 379 – This section talks about  ‘Theft’, which can be done electronically or physically, and the accused will be liable for imprisonment of either description for a term that may extend to three years or with fine, or with both.

 

·       Section 411 – Dishonestly receiving stolen property,  if anyone receives stolen electric gadget like laptop, mobile, or pc, knowing that it doesn’t belongs to him. This act attracts punishment of imprisonment which can be extended upto 3 years or fine or both.

 

·       Section 419 and 420 – Cheating, the act of using a stolen password for some kind of fraudulent activities. It has punishment of 3 years imprisonment or fine in section 419 and 7 years imprisonment or fine in 420.

 

·       Section 504 - If anyone insults, tries to provoke, or threatens another person with the motive of affecting their peace via any electronic form of communication will be attracted by Section 504 of the IPC. As per its provisions, an individual involved in such an offence is punished with imprisonment which may extend to two years or a fine or both.

 

Ø IT ACT (2000) – This act provides recognition to electronic commerce and electronic data interchange, also this act provides regulation for cybercrime and online fraud.

 

·       Section 43 – This section prescribe liability for the act interfering with the computer system of any person without the permission of person in charge.

 

·       Section 65 - "Tampering with computer source documents" is a crime that falls under the Information Technology Act's Section 65. "Whoever intentionally or knowingly conceals, destroys, or alters, or intentionally or knowingly causes another to conceal, destroy, or alter any computer source code used for a computer, computer program, computer system, or computer network when the computer source code is required to be kept or maintained by law for the time being in force, shall be punished with imprisonment up to three years, or with fine which may extend up to two lakh rupees, or with both," the law reads.

 

Ø HOW TO FILE CYBERCRIME COMPLAINT ONLINE

 

You can register your complaint on the National cybercrime reporting portal, under Ministry of Home Affairs, government of India.  There will options for crimes against women and children, financial fraud, and other cybercrime, you have to register at your convenience. You can register a complain anonymously or you can also keep track of your complaint.

Here is a step-by-step guide to file a cyber crime complaint online in India, follow these steps:

 

1.      Open your web browser and visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal1.

2.      On the homepage, click on the “File a complaint” option.

3.      Read and accept the terms and conditions on the next page.

4.      Click on “Report Other Cybercrime.”

5.      Choose “Citizen Login,” enter the required details, and submit the OTP.

6.      Fill in the details of the cybercrime in the provided form.

7.      Review and submit the form after ensuring accuracy.

 

Ø PREVENTIVE MEASURES

 

·       Use a strong and complex password and avoid using common phrases like your name, date of birth, or mobile number.

·       Be aware of unauthenticated or suspicious links and emails. Don’t open links from an unknown email or WhatsApp number.

·       Install antivirus software to protect your system from any kind of suspicious activity.

·       Use two-step verification or multi-factor authentication, this will increase your layer of protection.

·       Stay updated about the current cybersecurity scenario and educate yourself.

 

The rapid growth of the internet has its advantages and some  disadvantages, cybercrime is one of them. Be aware and be updated about it.