Cybercrime in India: A Rising Threat to a Digital Nation

The digital world has enabled us to reach places that would have once been considered impossible. The world is, literally, at our fingertips. The Internet is one of humanity's greatest inventions and has been a blessing for us. It has become a powerful tool that has accelerated rapid economic growth on a global scale. Due to the massive reach of the Internet, all sorts of products and services can be accessed easily ranging from entertainment, clothing, banking, food, communications, finance etc. 

While it has been a boon to society, somewhere in the crevices of this extensive online world, danger lurks, exploiting loopholes in the system. Let's have a look at them to gain a better understanding of the same.

What are cybercrimes?

Cybercrime covers a wide range of crimes committed using digital devices and/or networks. These crimes include the use of technology for fraud, identity theft, data breaches, computer viruses, fraud and a wide range of other malicious activities. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks to gain unauthorized access and steal sensitive information, disrupt services, and cause financial or reputational damage to individuals, organizations, and governments.

It is easy for most of these criminals to evade capture because of the following reasons :

• Anonymity : It is very easy to conceal or fake someone's identity on the internet, therefore making it very difficult to identify the culprits
  
  
• Technical knowledge and skill : Unfortunately, technology like this is rapidly changing and requires technical skills and extensive knowledge in the field. The common man is oblivious to such information making them very easy targets. 
  
  
• Law enforcement : Of course in India, we have the Information Technology Act 2000, which has addressed the issue of cyber crimes but the problem is, that there are a lot of grey areas in which these offenders operate. Also, the fact that these laws could be completely obsolete with newer technologies entering the market such as Artificial Intelligence. 
  
  
• Lack of Knowledge and Awareness : The general public itself is not aware of the dangers the online world poses and therefore isn't able to take precautions and the appropriate measures until it is too late. Therefore it is important to educate and spread awareness regarding cybercrimes and the legal provisions that the government provides, to protect the users and nab the culprits.

Cybercrimes in India

Roughly 75% of cybercrimes in the country are financial frauds. There is no dearth of information available and no system that is safe from being hacked. Online transactions are the fastest and most convenient way of transferring money. But not doing it safely can cost you your hard earned money.

Here are some ways you can ensure your transactions are made safely and securely : 

1. Never use public Wi-Fi or computers for money transfers

They have fewer security protocols in place than private networks. It is always safer to use your own devices and personal Wi-Fi networks for financial transactions. If you are outside home, instead of using free Wi-Fi, switch to your phone data

2. Firewalls and Antivirus

It is highly recommended to install an antivirus app (ideally a paid one) and change the settings to "Auto-Update". Technology updates every day so keeping your apps updated will keep your devices secure against malware. 

3. Always keep track of your online spendings

Keep track of your bank balance and how much you spend online. It is best to dedicate one debit/credit card for online transactions only. This makes it much more convenient to track your spendings. If notice anything suspicious, contact your bank immediately.

4. Passwords

Even though keeping track of passwords can be a hassle, it is highly recommended that you don't use the same passwords in multiple places. If one account is hacked, it leaves all your other accounts vulnerable.  Never share it with anyone and change it frequently. Also, do not use passwords that are suggested by browsers or let browsers save your passwords. Use a unique set of numbers, alphabets and special characters to make it as difficult to guess as possible. 

5. Enable two-step verification

It acts as a second line of defense when it comes to protecting your personal information. Usually, your email-ids are linked to your phones making it difficult to access your account. 

6. Secure connections

Always ensure that the sites you visit are secure websites. Here's a tip to ensure that you are on a secure site:  

Whenever you are on a website, check if the URL begins with https://websitename.com. The 'S' in https stands for secure. There will also be a lock icon just next to the URL indicating that the site is safe to use. 

7. Blocking messages and mails from unknown individuals/organizations

Whenever you receive texts and mails that make claims that sound "too good to be true" or create a sense of urgency, (Eg - Buy now! Offer expires soon!) there is a high chance of it being a scam. Block and report such messages and do not attempt to contact them or click any links that they provide. The same works for receiving calls from unknown numbers claiming that they're from a bank and want to confirm your details with you. Never entertain such calls and cross check with your bank first. 

The tips above help you take a step towards conducting online transactions in a safe and secure manner. When it comes to cybercrimes, financial frauds aren't the only danger. Social media is the current trend. It helps us to stay in touch with family and friends and is also a source of entertainment for us. However, it is important to know how to interact with people online in a safe way to ensure that you're not taken advantage of. 

1. Never share your personal details

"What you put on the internet, stays there forever". Even if you delete your posts, the damage has already been done. Nothing is ever truly deleted from the internet so it is best to think multiple times before posting any details such as your name, location, residence, work place etc. It makes it easier to track your movements and puts you at risk. It can lead to online stalking, harassment and identity theft.

2. Keep your accounts private 

Do not let unknown people follow you and never engage in conversations with people who you do not know in real life. It minimizes the risk of being targeted online. 

3. Bullies and trolls

A troll is someone who intentionally tries to provoke someone by posting offensive and unflattering remarks and comments under their posts to tarnish their reputation or just for entertainment. It is best to block and report such accounts and to never engage in a conversation with such people. 

4. Speaking up against cybercrimes and bullying

Often victims of cybercrimes and cyberbullying are too embarrassed or afraid of asking for help when they have to deal with such situations. It is important to stay strong and ask for help from an individual whom you have complete trust in. Your parents, siblings and peers will always be here to help you. Also, reach out to the cybercrime cell if your rights have been violated. 

Helpline number (India) - 155260

From 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

5. Respecting the other individual's privacy

Treat others on the internet just like how you would treat someone in the real world - with respect and dignity. Treat people the same way you want others to treat you. Remember; kindness is free :)

Who is at the most risk?

While any individual with a device is vulnerable to an attack, there are some sections of society who are specifically targeted. Unfortunately, like the real world, even online, the groups who are most likely to be targeted are :

• Children
• Women
• People over the age of 60
• Individuals from marginalized communities 

Conclusion

Cybercrime is a serious and growing problem that affects individuals, organizations, and society as a whole, which can cause financial, reputational, psychological, and physical harm to the victims. To combat cybercrime, it is important to raise public awareness, implement strong security measures, and enforce effective laws. Cybercrime is not only a violation of law, but also a violation of human rights and dignity. Therefore, everyone should be vigilant and responsible in using the internet and technology. Have fun and stay safe!