BASICS OF CYBER LAWS AND CYBER SECURITY.

-Blog by Rujuta Jog.

Cyber crimes are increasing day by day and in this COVID-19 situation we don’t have any other option for online payment. And more you search about cyber laws and security; you will get confuse by all the legal words and concepts. So I decided to make a blog on this topic. I’ve passed three certificate courses in cyber Crime Laws and Cyber Security including Ethical Hacking. I’m glad to share my knowledge with you in very simple language for better understanding.

Introduction:

Nowadays internet is a basic need of each and every human being. Everything can happen with just tapping a finger, e.g. Shopping, Food Orders, Business, online classes, Bookings, etc. and it is very easy for our generation.

But as we know, every coin has two sides. Cybercrime is the villain of the digital world. In simple language, cyber crime is known as computer crime. Criminal commit a crime with the help of computer. They use computer as a tool to commit a crime. It includes fraud, identity theft, phishing, and other malicious acts like cyber bullying, cyber stalking and cyber warfare etc. Cyber security is one of the biggest challenges for the world today. Majority of big crimes like terrorism, piracy etc.are somehow connected to the cyberspace and dark web. (Dark web is very different and vast concept, if you want a blog on the dark web, then let me know)

Incase cyber crime happens to you; you should know what to do instead of getting panic and scared. So here are some basic instructions:

Ø File a complaint in the police station. Or you can file a complaint online on cybercrime.gov.in (National Cyber Crime Report Portal)

Ø Collect and keep digital evidences: screenshots, PDF files, receipt etc.(related to crime)

Ø Co-operate police officers/law officers. Tell them each and every small detail.

You should know some important sections related to cyber crimes:

IT ACT, 2000

Ø Sec. 43: Damage to computer system.

Ø Sec. 66: Computer related offence

Ø Sec. 67: Publication or Transmission of obscene material

Ø Sec. 68: Not complying with directions of controller

Ø Sec. 70: Protected systems

Ø Sec. 72: Breaking confidentiality of the information of computer

Ø Sec. 73: Publishing false digital signature

Ø Sec. 74: Publishing digital signature for fraudulent purpose

INDIAN PENAL CODE, 1860

Ø Section 192, 204, 463, 464, 468- 471, 474, 476 which deals with false entry or documents under electronic record.

Top 5 cybercrimes and how to protect your devices from these crimes:

1. Phishing: Cyber criminal or hacker attempting to obtain personal information from computer via website or shared links.

- To avoid phishing, you can use a phishing filter on your web browser so that it can actively scan the site.

2. Identity Theft: Hackers and cyber criminals may have gain access to your credit card or any bank account information to use your details for purchasing anything in your name.

- To protect your identity, is to closely monitor your acts and if you find anything suspicious you should report about it. Also immediately contact your bank.

3. Online Harassment: It is related to your social lifestyle. Online harassment consists of threats sent through Email, Facebook or any social media message or post.

- Do not personal things on social media. Do not send your photos or details or any confidential information to unknown person. Do not open any unknown links especially from your laptop, hacker can hack your web camera easily through these links. If you find anything suspicious you should report it immediately.

4. Cyber Stalking: Cyber stalking means stalkers monitor a victim’s online activity by hacking their computer through mails, websites, fraud links, any fraud software etc.

- You should always have proper computer security applications and antivirus or anti software programs.

5. Invasion of Privacy: The act of someone attempting to intrude on a person’s personal life like hacking into someone’s computer, reading mails or monitoring all activities.

- You should always have proper computer security applications. Also avoid using USB’s in Xerox centre or cyber cafes.

Some basic guidelines or security tips to secure your devices from cyber attack:

Ø Most important question: How strong your Password is? Always use complicated passwords and do not share it with anyone.

https://howsecureismypassword.net/ checks your password here.

Ø Do not post each and every thing on social media. Don’t share your Password or OTP or any kind of personal information like bank details.

Ø Always take photos or screenshots of your payment receipts or cancellation of payments details for digital evidence.

Ø Do not register on unknown sites or do not shop from any fraud websites. Also, do not share unknown sites or fraud sites to anyone.

Ø Always use two different emails. One for all the normal websites and applications for e.g. movies/ series sites, shopping apps, games and all social Medias (instagram, facebook) etc. Second one for all your personal work like bank payments or confidential files or for your business work.

I hope you have found this informative and helpful. Please feel free to ask your questions or doubts about the blog; I’m happy to help you. Let me know if you want more and deep knowledge about cyber security, I’ll write a blog on it.

Secure your devices and stay safe!

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Email: teamlawareness@gmail.com