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6 Most Common Types of Cybercrimes in India

Cybercrime cases have escalated in India due to the increasing usage of the internet by many people for banking, shopping, jobs, and communication. Different people may be affected by various cyber crimes that can be known by everyone if they familiarise themselves with common cyber crimes.

The following are some of the cybercrimes reported most widely in India.

1. Financial Fraud and Online Scams

Financial Fraud and online scams are very common forms of cybercrime. Criminals attempt to get information or money from the victim by deception. Common techniques used include:

• Ponzi schemes with high returns
• UPI, Credit Card, and Debit Card Frauds
• Internet scamming through counterfeit websites
• Online shopping fraud from fake websites

2. Identity Theft

In identity theft, one’s personal details are taken and then misused. Common techniques used include:

• Use of stolen Aadhaar, PAN, or bank details
• Creating bogus accounts on social networks
• SIM card fraud/LOAN fraud

3. Hacking & Unauthorised Access

Hackers break into systems or accounts to steal or cause harm. Here are the most common activities:

• Email and Social Media Account Hacking
• Website defacement
• Breaches of personal or business data

4. Cyberstalking and Online Harass

Cyberstalking and online harassment crimes are generally perpetrated against people, particularly women. These crimes include:

• Threats or messages with abuse
• Profiles used for harassment or defamation
• Sharing private photos with others

5. Malware and Ransomware Attacks

Typical ways by which malware and ransomware cyber attacks are made are:

• Malicious Software is used to attack and manipulate systems.
• Viruses & spyware that Steal Data
• Ransomware encrypts computer systems until payment is received

6. Cyber Defamation

Incorrect information is posted online with the intention of damaging the victim’s reputation. Common techniques used are:

• Fake reviews
• Morphed images or videos 
• False accusations on social networks 

As cybercrimes rise every year, being informed is the first protection against cyber dangers. Reporting cybercrimes early and being extra careful online can go a long way towards being safe.

Save Yourself From Cyberattacks: Important Steps To Take

Criminals take the help of different methods to collect people’s information and use it for illegal purposes. Stay alert and learn how to protect your digital identity. Else, you can be the next victim of cybercrime. Following is a list of some crucial measures for better cybersecurity:

Use Unique Passwords

Avoid using the important dates of your life as a password. They are easy to predict. Jumble up letters, numbers and special characters and use them as your password. People cannot identify or decipher them. You may also use a password manager as well. 

Permit Multi Step Authentication

Using dual authentication may seem to be time-consuming when you try to log in to your email, social media or banking applications quickly, but these checks save your account from unauthorised entry. Even if someone knows your password, the account remains well-protected

Keep Software Updated

Software and operating systems often release new updates and security patches to keep your device secure. Install them regularly.

Secure Wi-Fi Networks

Never use public networks for making a transaction. Instead, use your mobile data or a personal-use only WiFi system. Use a strong and non-detectable password for your WiFi. You can also consider protecting WiFi with VPN encryption. 

Be Careful with Emails and Messages

Links from unknown websites and downloading attachments from unverified sources are honeytraps of cybercrime. Never click on them. Also, stay alert about phishing and suspicious communication

Teach Your Family Members

Children and elderly people in the family are often unaware of the simple things that they can do to save themselves from online attacks and scams. Adults must teach them to avoid any cybercrime attacks

Store Important Data in a separate device/ cloud storage

Save your data in any hard disk or cloud storage system. It will reduce the chance of being stolen due to cyberattacks. 

Legal Requirements of Businesses on Customer Data Protection and Breach Notification

Organisations that involve personal or financial information have a duty to safeguard it against any kind of unauthorised access, theft, or misuse. Organisations are governed by data protection laws such as the Information Technology Act of India and international laws such as GDPR. Major legal responsibilities include:

Understand the Scope of Data

Ascertain the type of customers’ personal information your business collects, processes, and stores. Now, categorise them according to the sensitivity and relevance.

Enact Data Protection Policies

Develop an effective policy on the handling of users’ personal information that deals with the collection, processing, and storage.
Train employees on these policies.

Obtain Proper Consent

Obtain data processing consent in a clear, traceable way.
Provide a mechanism that allows individuals to withdraw their consent easily.

Secure Data

Turn your data into code and allow controlled access and use firewalls. It saves the collected information from unauthorised access. Get IT audits done by your team to check the vulnerability of the information.