The internet is wonderful, but it has dangers too. Cyber crime means crimes committed using computers and the internet. The good news: most attacks rely on tricking people, so a little awareness protects you enormously. This chapter covers the threats, the defences, and the law.
1Common cyber threats
| Threat | What it is |
|---|---|
| Phishing | Fake emails/messages/sites that trick you into giving passwords or bank details. |
| Malware | Malicious software — viruses, worms, trojans — that harms or spies on your device. |
| Ransomware | Malware that locks your files and demands payment to unlock them. |
| Identity theft | Stealing someone's personal details to impersonate them (e.g. open accounts in their name). |
| Cyberbullying | Harassing, threatening or humiliating someone online. |
| Hacking | Gaining unauthorised access to a computer or account. |
- Cyber crime = crimes committed using computers/the internet.
- Phishing tricks you into revealing secrets; malware (viruses/worms/trojans) harms your device; ransomware locks files for payment.
- Identity theft impersonates you; cyberbullying harasses online; hacking is unauthorised access.
2Staying safe, and the law
Most protection is simple habit:
- Strong, unique passwords — long, mixing letters, numbers and symbols; a different one per site.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) — a second check (like an OTP) so a stolen password alone isn't enough.
- Think before you click — don't open suspicious links or attachments; check the real sender and URL.
- Keep software updated and use a firewall and antivirus.
- Shop safely — only pay on secure sites (look for
httpsand the padlock); never share OTPs. - Guard personal data — share as little as possible publicly.
The law: the IT Act
In India, cyber offences are governed by the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 (amended in 2008). It gives legal recognition to electronic records and digital signatures, and defines penalties for cyber crimes like hacking, identity theft and publishing offensive material. It is the main legal recourse against online offences in India.
- Use strong, unique passwords and turn on two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Don't click suspicious links; keep software updated; use a firewall/antivirus; pay only on secure https sites; never share OTPs.
- India's Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 governs cyber crimes and provides legal recourse.
★ Practical: spot the threat, build the defence
Answer briefly:
- An email says 'Your account is blocked, click here and enter your password.' Which threat is this, and what should you do?
- Explain how two-factor authentication protects you even if your password is stolen.
- List three signs that a shopping website is safe to pay on.
- Name the Indian law that deals with cyber crime.
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