Cyber Crime (History, Examples, Types And Laws)

Cyber crime is a crime that involves computers and network devices. Computers can be used to commit crimes and sometimes become the target of the crime itself. Cyber crime is a threat to the security and financial stability of any individual or country.

All these concepts of cybercrime are extremely important for UPSC, IAS exams, state civil services, etc. Testbook prepares best quality notes for Civil Services candidates to understand the topic in detail. In this article we will understand cybercrime (Cyber Crime in Hindi) in detail and cover its important points.

Table of Contents

History Of Cybercrime

In 1981, Ian Murphy, also known as “Captain Zap” (Captain Zap), was the first person to be convicted of cybercrime.
They hacked the American telephone company’s internal clock to allow users to make free calls during rush hour.

Cybercrime And Its Examples

Cybercrime, additionally called computer crime (Computer Crime), uses computers and other electronic devices for unlawful activities.
Cheating, trafficking in child pornography, abuse of intellectual property rights, identity theft and privacy attacks — are all prime examples of cyber crimes.
Cyber crime has become more important especially through the Internet as today computers have become a central tool for business, entertainment, education and government agencies.

Reasons Behind Cybercrime

Hacking websites to spread messages for social or political purposes.
Attacking important properties of the country.
Earning money by hacking banks and financial institutions.
Gaining access to business data servers to obtain important information.
Accessing scientific research and military data servers to acquire plans and confidential information.

Types Of Cyber Crime

The following types of cybercrime are protected under the Information Technology Act (IT Act) 2000

1. Identity Theft (Identity Robbery)

Identity theft refers to the situation when a person’s personal or financial information is obtained illegally and used to gain economic benefits. This crime is often committed by stealing information about bank accounts, credit cards, or personal documents, which can harm a person’s economic interests or enable the offender to obtain financial benefits himself.

2. Infamy (Defamation)

Every person has the right to his freedom of expression on the Internet, but if someone’s statement harms the reputation of any person, woman or organization, he can be sued for defamation. This type of crime can also occur through social media platforms, websites or emails.

3. Harassment or stalking

Online harassment or stalking is prohibited on the Internet system. Cyber law protects victims in such cases and provides for strict action against the culprits. This crime involves constantly harassing, threatening, or digitally stalking a person.

4. Freedom of speech

There is a thin line between freedom of speech on the Internet and cyber crime. Freedom of expression allows people to share their views, but when this freedom offends one’s dignity or spreads obscenity, it falls under the category of cybercrime. Cyber laws therefore prohibit the dissemination of obscene and misleading content on the Internet.

5. Hacking

Gaining unauthorized access to someone’s data or computer system through fraudulent or unethical means is called hacking. This is the most common and serious type of cyber crime, in which confidential information is stolen or the system is damaged by breaking into a person, institution or government website.

6. Theft of trade secrecy (Trade Secrets Theft)

Internet companies invest heavily in their software, applications and technological innovations. If a person or entity steals their business technology or confidential secrets, it is considered a punishable cyber crime. Companies rely on cybersecurity and intellectual property laws to protect against such crimes.

7. Cyber Bullying

Cyber bullying is the activity of intimidating, threatening, humiliating or mentally harming a person through digital medium. This crime is often committed on social media platforms, including activities such as spreading false information, defaming through photos/videos, or trolling.

8. Cyber Terrorism

Cyber terrorism is a crime in which cyber means are used against a person, organization or government for the purpose of causing serious harm, creating fear or recovering money. This includes hacking government websites, stealing or destroying important data.

9. Phishing

Phishing is a deceptive technique, in which criminals send emails that look like trustworthy institutions to get passwords, credit card numbers, or other confidential information from people. For example, if you get an email in the name of the bank asking for your account information — then it could be a phishing attempt.

10. Vishing

In vishing, criminals cheat people through phone calls or voice messages. They try to get people their bank account numbers, credit card details or other personal information by posing as representatives of a trusted entity, such as a bank or insurance company. People who are less conscious about technology often become victims of this type of fraud.

11. Smishing

Smishing is a type of phishing attack, in which criminals try to obtain our personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank details or credit card numbers, using our mobile phones. In this, fraudulent messages (SMS) are sent which come in the name of a trusted institution or bank, so that the user can share their information considering them to be genuine.

Budapest Convention On Cybercrime

The Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, also known as Convention on Cybercrime, is the first agreement to combat cybercrime internationally.
It aims to homogenize national laws, improve the process of investigation, and strengthen cooperation among nations to combat cybercrimes.
The Budapest Convention also addresses issues related to crimes such as racial discrimination, hate speech and foreign protest committed by computer systems globally.

Laws Related To Cyber Crime Security In India

The Information Technology Act, 2000 (Information Technology Act, 2000) regulates the use of computers, laptops, networks and data in digital format.
The act defines several types of cybercrimes, such as:

o Tampering with computer output documents.

o Fraudulently using computers or digital assets.

o Access to a restricted gadget with the aim of endangering the unity, integrity, sovereignty and security of the country through cyber terrorism or hacking.

Steps Taken By The Government In Cyber Crime Security

1. Cyber Hygiene Centre:

It was launched in 2017 to help Internet users keep their computers and devices safe by removing viruses and spyware.

2. (National Cyber Security Coordination Center – NCCC):

Founded in 2017, the center works to detect cyber threats in real time by analyzing Internet traffic and communications metadata.

3. Cyber Secure India Initiative (Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative):

Launched in 2018, the initiative aims to raise awareness about cyber crime in government agencies and train Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and IT personnel to effectively implement cyber security measures.

Various Measures To Prevent Cybercrime

Regularly installing the latest antivirus software to avoid viruses and malware.
Issuance of periodic alerts and advisors.
Training and capacity-building for law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and judicial officials.
Improving cyberforensic capabilities.
According to the Indian Constitution, “police” and “public order” are state subjects. Therefore, states and union territories are primarily responsible for the prevention, investigation and conviction of crimes.

Note About The Cyberdome Project

Cyberdom (Cyberdom), is a technological research and development project of the Kerala Police Department.
It serves as a center of excellence in cybersecurity and technology innovation.
The project aims to establish collaboration between various stakeholders to combat cyber crimes and empower a proactive cybersecurity response.

Key Questions On Cybercrime

Question 1 : Analyze the impact of cross-border cyber attacks, keeping in mind India’s internal security. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks.

Question 2 : Discuss the different types of cyber crimes and the measures required to deal with them.

Question 3 : What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India.

Question 4 : Discuss the potential dangers of cyber crimes and the security framework to prevent them.

Question 5 : The use of the Internet and social media by non-State actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. Give examples of their misuse in recent times and suggest effective guidelines to deal with these threats.

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