CYBER LAW
UNIT 2 – EVOLUTION OF CYBER CRIMES AND REAL WORLD
SYNOPSIS
Introduction
What is cyber crime
Nature of cyber crimes
Modes and methods of committing cyber crime
types of cyber crime
a. Cyber crime against an individual
b. Cyber crime against the government
c. Cyber crime against the society
Prevention of cyber crime
INTRODUCTION
A number of cybercrime cases including phishing, identity theft, and
fraud, have surged in recent years.
In the previous year alone, India saw a 16% increase in the number of
cyberattacks throughout the Country.
In this situation, it becomes important to examine the country’s existing
cybersecurity legislation to see if they provide adequate protection
against these crimes.
WHAT IS CYBER CRIME
Cybercrime is defined as any criminal misconduct carried out through a
network, technical gadgets, or the internet.
Although some cybercrimes are intended to cause harm to the victim, the
vast majority are committed for financial gain.
Individuals and corporations are both targets. Individuals are typically
part of a bigger assault in which the hacker tries to distribute malware
across machines for-profit motive.
NATURE OF CYBER CRIMES
Crimes committed over internet are very different in nature when compared to
the physical world.
Cybercrime is multinational in nature. These crimes are committed without
being physically present at the crime location.
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To commit such crimes the only thing a person needs is a computer which is
connected with the internet.
The cyberspace, being a boundaryless world has become a playground of the
perpetrators where they commit crimes and remain conspicuously absent from
the site of crime.
The cybercrime has spread to such proportion that a formal categorization of
this crime is no more possible.
Every single day gives birth to a new kind of cybercrime making every single
effort to stop it almost a futile exercise.
In crimes relating to cyber space there is nothing sort of physical footprints,
tangible traces or objects to track cyber criminals down.
Cybercrimes possess huge amount complications when it comes to
investigation.
MODES OF CYBER CRIMES
Cybercrime can attack in various ways. Here, is some most common cybercrime
attack mode:
1. Hacking: It is an act of gaining unauthorized access to a computer system
or network.
2. Denial Of Service Attack: In this cyberattack, the cyber-criminal uses the
bandwidth of the victim’s network or fills their e-mail box with spammy
mail. Here, the intention is to disrupt their regular services.
3. Software Piracy: Theft of software by illegally copying genuine programs
or counterfeiting. It also includes the distribution of products intended to
pass for the original.
4. Phishing: Pishing is a technique of extracting confidential information
from the bank/financial institutional account holders by illegal ways.
5. Spoofing: It is an act of getting one computer system or a network to
pretend to have the identity of another computer. It is mostly used to get
access to exclusive privileges enjoyed by that network or computer.
CLASSIFICATION OF CYBER CRIME
Generally, almost all cyber crimes can be classified under three heads,
depending on the groups they are targetted at. The heads are:
1. cyber crimes against individuals
2. cyber crimes against government, and
3. cyber crimes against society at large.
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Cyber crimes against individuals
Generally, ordinary individuals are the most vulnerable targets of
cybercriminals. This is due to various reasons like lack of information,
guidance, and cyber-security. The following are some of the main cyber crimes
committed targeting individuals.
1. Cyberbullying
The term cyberbullying is not defined under any Indian law. However, in
general parlance, cyberbullying refers to bullying someone by threatening,
harassing or embarrassing the victim using technology digital device.
2. Cyberstalking
Browsing anyone’s internet history or online activity, and sending obscene
content online with the help of any social media, software, application, etc. to
know about that particular person is called cyberstalking.
3. Cyber defamation
Cyber defamation means injuring the other person’s reputation via the internet
through social media, Emails etc.
4. Cyber fraud
As the name suggests, cyber fraud refers to any act of fraud committed with the
use of a computer. Any person who dishonestly uses the internet to illegal
deceive people and gets personal data, communication, etc. with a motive to
make money is called a cyber fraud.
CYBER CRIMES AGAINST ORGANIZATIONS
Cyber attacks on organizations are generally launched on a large scale to get a
lump sum amount of ransom. Since such attacks drastically damage the
companies’ daily operations, most companies try to resolve them as fast as
possible. The following are the kinds of cyber crimes launched targeting
organizations.
1. Attacks by virus
A computer virus is a kind of malware which connects itself to another
computer program and can replicate and expand when any person attempts to
run it on their computer system. The attackers program such malicious viruses
to get hold of organisations’ official or confidential data. The illegally retrieved
data is then used as leverage to extort ransom from the organisations.
2. Salami attack
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It is one of the tactics to steal money, which means the hacker steals the money
in small amounts. The damage done is so minor that it is unnoticed.
3. Web Jacking
Web Jacking refers to the illegal redirection of a user’s browser from a trusted
domain’s page to a fake domain without the user’s consent.
CYBER CRIMES AGAINST SOCIETY AT LARGE
Apart from the cyber crimes committed targeting individuals in society, various
other cyber attacks are launched against the community at large. Such cyber
crimes may be aimed either against any particular section of society or the
entire country. The following are a few types of cyber crimes against the
community at large.
1. Cyber terrorism
Cyber terrorism means using cyberspace to hurt the general public and damage
the integrity and sovereignty of any country.
2. Cyber Espionage
Cyber espionage refers to the unauthorized accessing of sensitive data or
intellectual property for economic, or political reasons. It is also called ‘cyber
spying’.
PREVENTION AGAINST CYBER CRIME
Mentioned below are some steps to prevent cyber crime:
Use complex passwords: Use various login details combinations for
separate accounts and avoid writing them down.
Safeguard mobile devices: Many individuals are unaware that their
mobile devices are exposed to dangerous software such as computer
viruses. Install anti-virus software and utilize a secure lock screen in
addition
Safeguarding data: Encrypt sensitive files such as financial documents
and tax returns, to protect your data.
Secure online identity: When it comes to protecting one’s identity online,
an individual should be vigilant.
Safeguarding computers with security software: For basic internet
security, several types of security softwares are required. Firewall and
antivirus software are key pieces of security software.
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