Cybercrime is defined as an illegal action that aims or uses a computer, a computer network, or a networked device in one form or another. The vast majority, but not all, of cybercrime is done by cybercriminals or hackers who are motivated only by financial gain. In this case, the perpetrators are either individuals or organisations. Some cybercriminals are well-organised, employ cutting-edge strategies, and possess exceptional technical expertise. Others are newcomers to the hacking world. Rarely cybercrime is committed with the intent of causing damage to computers for causes other than financial gain. These could be political in nature or personal in nature.
Cybercrime can be classified into several categories.
Examples of certain types of cybercrime are shown below, along with brief descriptions:
Email and internet fraud are two types of fraud.
Fraudulent use of one’s identity (where personal data is pilfered and used).
The theft of bank or credit card payment information.
Stealing and selling confidential corporate information.
Cyberextortion is a type of blackmail (demanding cash to foil a threatened attack).
Ransomware attacks are a sort of malware that encrypts data and holds it hostage (a type of cyber extortion).
Cryptojacking is a type of fraud (where hackers mine cryptocurrency using resources they do not own).
Cyberespionage is a type of cyber warfare (where hackers access government or company data).
The majority of cybercrime may be divided into two categories:
Criminal action that has a specific target
Computer-related criminal conduct involves the use of computers to commit other crimes.
In India, how does one go about filing a cyber-crime complaint?
Cybercrime is within the jurisdiction of international organisations. This means that a cyber-crime complaint can be lodged with any cyber cells in India, regardless of where the crime was committed in the first instance.
Make a written report to the cybercrime unit of your local police department. Please include your name, contact information, and mailing address. The written complaint should be submitted to the head of the cyber-crime cell in the city in which you are filing the cyber-crime complaint, and it should include the following information:
Suppose you are a victim of online harassment. In that case, you should consult with a legal professional who can assist you in filing a report with the police station. If the incident is severe enough, you may be required to submit supporting documentation and your report to the police department.
When you do not have access to any of India’s cyber cells, you can submit a First Information Report (FIR) at your local police station, which will serve as your first line of defence. If your complaint is not accepted there, you can file a complaint with the Commissioner or the city’s Judicial Magistrate’s Office.
The Indian Penal Code criminalises several cybercrime-related offences. It is possible to file a cybercrime FIR at the nearest local police station to bring them to justice.
It is also possible to report cyber-security issues through the national cyber-crime reporting portal: https://cybervolunteer.mha.gov.in/webform/Volunteer AuthoLogin.aspx
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