Cyber Samachar
What is Cyber Crime?
The development of Information Technology and Electronic Media especially from 1980’s onwards have given rise to a new variety of computer related crimes which are commonly called “Cyber Crimes”.
Simplest definition of cyber crime is any illegal act committed using a computer network (especially internet) is considered is cyber crime.
Or We can say
Cyber Crime is defined as a crime in which a computer is the object of the crime or is used as a tool to commit an offence.
Nature of Cyber crime: Nature of cyber crime is such that geographical and political boundaries are rendered irrelevant.
There is lack of standardized universal anti-cyber crime legislation of the international level.
So that, non-uniformity of laws worldwide especially for cyber crime is the foremost need to fight against cyber crimes and criminals.
The Twelfth U.N.Congress on crime prevention and criminal justice held in (Brazil) on 12th and 19th April, 2010 held extensive discussion expressing serious concern over the massive use of Computer Science and Technology by the perpetrators of Cyber Crimes and measures to be adopted by preventing authorities in fighting against these crimes.
REASONS FOR CYBER CRIMES: Before discussing various types of cyber crimes, firstly we will discuss the reasons for increasing trends of cyber crimes.Here are some common reasons for cyber crimes.
To gain financial benefit at low risk:
Money is the major motivator for many cyber criminals. Especially because the dangers of criminality are less apparent when you are hiding behind the network. There is low risk and very high financial reward. So that many cyber criminals are engaged in criminal activities.
NEGLIGENCE: Negligence is very common factor with humans, while protecting the computer system there might be any negligence. which is in turn provides a cyber criminal to gain access and control over the computer system.
LOSS OF EVIDENCE: Loss of Evidence is a very common and obvious problem as all the data are routinely destroyed. The criminals find it easy to destroy the evidence soon after the crime is committed which makes it difficult for the investigating agencies to collect relevant material evidence for prosecuting the offender.
Indefinite legal jurisdiction: Most internet crime takes place across international borders. Law enforcement agencies are always limited to jurisdictional boundaries. We have federal law enforcement agencies, which reach across city and state boundaries, but they can’t easily traverse international boundaries.
TYPES OF CYBER CRIME:
Cyber Crimes are broadly categorized into three categories, namely, crime against:-
1) Individual
2) Property
3) Government
- Cyber Crimes against Individual:-
This type of cyber crime can be in the form of cyber stalking, distributing pornography trafficking and grooming. Today, law enforcement agencies are taking this category of cyber crime very seriously and are joining forces intentionally to reach and arrest the offender.
2. Cyber Crime against Economy:-
Money is the most common motive behind all crime. The same is also true for cyber crime. Globally it is being observed that more and more cyber crimes are being committed for financial motives rather than for “Revenge” or for “Fun”.
Like Hacking, E-mail Bombing and Spoofing, E-mail Spoofing, Trojan, Internet Time Theft, Digital Forgery and Piracy and Infringement of Intellectual Property Rights.
3. Cyber Crime against Government: The growth of the internet has shown that the medium of cyber space is being used by the individual and groups to threaten the Government and citizens of the country. Cyber terrorism is one distinct kind of crime in this category.
Like Cyber Terrorism.
Preventive legal measures against Cyber Crime: The Indian penal code, 1860 was found insufficient to cater to the needs of new crimes emerging from internet expansion. Even some of the traditional crimes such as conspiracy, securities, frauds etc. are now being committed through internet which necessitates a new law to curb them. It was in this background that the Information Technology Act, 2000 was enacted in India for prevention and control of cyber crimes.
IMPACT OF CYBER CRIMES:-The expansion of Internet and computer network all over the world has generated a new variety of crime commonly known as cyber crimes. The areas most hit by the impact of these crimes is economy and security regimes because the alarmingly expanding dimensions of cyber frauds and terrorist activities of hardcore terrorists are ruining the nation’s economy and posing a threat to the national security destroying its internal and external peace. The Intellectual Property Rights violation and leakage of confidential information and trade secret disclosure online of the business houses, industries, banking and financial institutions etc. is causing tremendous loss which extends to millions of Rupees.
