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I.C. Tewari & Associates is a full-service law firm committed to delivering strategic, result-oriented legal solutions across a wide range of practice areas. With a strong foundation in litigation and advisory, our firm serves individuals, businesses, and institutions with integrity, expertise, and dedication.
Cyber Crime
Cyber crime refers to any illegal activity that involves a computer, networked device, or a network. While most cyber crimes are committed to generate profit for the cybercriminals, some are carried out to damage or disable computers or networks, to spread malware, illegal information, images, or other materials, or to harass, stalk, or exploit individuals.
Types of Cyber Crime
- Hacking – Unauthorized access to or control over computer systems or networks.
- Phishing – Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information by disguising as a trustworthy entity.
- Identity Theft – Stealing someone’s personal information to commit fraud.
- Cyberstalking – Harassing or threatening someone using digital means.
- Online Fraud and Scams – Deceptive schemes through emails, websites, or social media to steal money or information.
- Ransomware Attacks – Malware that locks or encrypts data until a ransom is paid.
- Child Pornography and Exploitation – Distribution or possession of illegal content involving minors.
- Cyber Terrorism – Using digital tools to threaten national security, often targeting infrastructure.
Impacts of Cyber Crime
- Individuals – Financial loss, mental stress, invasion of privacy.
- Businesses – Data breaches, loss of reputation, regulatory fines.
- Governments – Threats to national security, disruption of services.
- Society – Erosion of trust in digital systems, increased cybersecurity costs.
Laws and Enforcement (India Example)
In India, cyber crimes are primarily governed by:
- Information Technology Act, 2000 (amended in 2008)
- Relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Authorities like the Cyber Crime Cell, CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team), and police cyber units handle investigation and enforcement.
Prevention and Safety Measures
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Keep software and systems updated.
- Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading untrusted files.
- Use antivirus and firewall protection.
- Report suspicious activity to cybercrime.gov.in or local authorities.
Cyber crime is an evolving threat in the digital age, and awareness, vigilance, and robust legal frameworks are key to combating it.