Cybercrime in recent times has made international headlines. Since the introduction of the internet worldwide, this new type of crime has rapidly grown and affects thousands of individuals every day.
It involves various criminal activities enacted using the internet and other platforms. And over time, these crimes have evolved in form and efficiency.
Cybercrime knows no borders and does not discriminate amongst its victims. Criminal networks worldwide are highly efficient in targeting their victims and striking with lightning speed.
With the increase in non-traditional transactions such as crypto currency, there seems no way to stop these crimes. However, the police lack the experience and technology to combat such a sophisticated crime.
Especially in India, the police have minimal techniques to combat cybercrime. With the Covid-19 pandemic still affecting significant parts of the world, cybercrimes have drastically increased.
Most private organizations have unprotected data and poor cybersecurity procedures in place, making them vulnerable to data loss. Why is cybercrime rising, and what are its repercussions on a county like India?
Cybersecurity In India:
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data gave some grim figures regarding cybercrime. Last year India recorded more than fifty thousand cybercrime reports, out of which most of the crimes were related to fraud and relating to money.
- The rate of cybercrime (incidents per lakh population) increased from 3.3% in 2019 to 3.7% in 2020. In terms of motive, 60.2% of cybercrimes lodged were done for fraud.
- Others included sexual exploitation, extortion, bullying and stalking.
- The list had states where most cybercrimes had been reported; Uttar Pradesh topped the list, followed by Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana.
- This list is not just facts and figures; it is a hard reality of our population’s awareness of cybercrimes.
- Most Indian companies lack even the most basic cybersecurity combating techniques, making these companies vulnerable and easy targets of criminals.
- Many individuals face such criminalities cause. We are also uninformed and unaware of protecting ourselves from cybercrimes.
- So, we need to educate our citizens and spread awareness to combat such crimes.
- Companies should be encouraged to install protective software that secures their data. For ordinary people, simply a strong password can protect them against most frauds.
- Avoiding opening suspicious mail or message received via an unknown or unfamiliar party is another way to be safe.
And lastly, avoid going to questionable sites and be aware of the terms and conditions the websites mentions.
Cybercrimes across the world:
- Not just in India, but the world as a whole is under attack by cybercriminals. Financial frauds and attacks on governments have previously made headlines caused by cybercriminals.
- Due to highly sophisticated means, individuals or organizations can target anyone, anywhere and anytime globally.
- Regardless of its location or population, every country is threatened by cyber-attacks; be it the US or South Africa, no one is safe from cyber attacks.
- Cyber security is not just an individual country’s problem but a problem for the whole world. It is the need of the hour to research heavily in combating cybercrimes and recover lost data securely.
More importantly, it is necessary to hold the responsible character or organization to justice. Any country which supports these criminal organizations or protects them in any way should be scrutinized and sanctioned by the international community.
Protect yourself from hackers:
The need of the hour is to spread awareness among individuals to fight cybercrimes. In an era where everything is connected to the internet and digitalizing at an unprecedented speed, it is of utmost necessity to hold the culprits accountable.
More investment in cyber safety and antiviruses should be encouraged and preventive measures adopted by everyone to stop cybercrime.
