Cyber crimes in India

Technology and the Internet have become the basic need of today's generation. Whether it is social networking, online shopping, or online employment opportunities, the Internet could do wonders for the human being. Though the Internet is a useful medium and very beneficial it could also develop a concept of cybercrime.

What is Cybercrime?
A crime that uses modern digital networks to hurt the reputation of the person either mentally or physically is referred to as Cyber Crimes.
It is a broad term to describe the unlawful acts which involve computers to either target or as a tool.
There are different types of cybercrimes in India. Some of these crimes are as mentioned:

• Financial fraud crime- A deceptive white-collar crime or financial fraud is an act committed against the unlawful conversion of the ownership of the property to one's benefit and use.
• Hacking and unauthorized access- An act of breaking into one's computer system is termed as Hacking. On the other side, any kind of access in an individual's computer system without his/her knowledge is termed as Unauthorized access.
• Web Hijacking- It is a type of network security attack in which the attacker takes control of communication.
• Cyber Terrorism- It is a term generally used to describe the internet based attacks in terrorist activities, including acts of large-scale disruption of computer networks by the use of computer viruses.
• Cyber Stalking- An act of threatening behavior or harassment towards the victim via the internet is termed as cyberstalking.

Cybercrimes in India

In today's world, cybercrimes or computer crimes are increasing rapidly. New Delhi, Mumbai, Noida, Hyderabad, Rajasthan, and Punjab have established major cybercrime cells in India.

•  4 out of 10 consumers in India have experienced identity theft in India.
• 80% of Indians have been threatened with cybercrime at some point.
• 41% of Indians are concerned about their personal and sensitive information.
• States like Maharashtra (2380) and Karnataka (1101) have reported the highest number of cases.
• Approximately, Rs. 1.24 trillion was lost by India due to cybercrime.

In March 2018, the Ministry of Home Affairs of India ran a Twitter handle called 'Cyber Dude', to create cybersecurity awareness.

Punishment: Section 66- Computer-related offenses. Anyone who commits a crime mentioned in section 43, he could be punished for two-three years or with a fine which might increase up to 5 lakh or more.

By- Sakshi Bhardwaj