Cyber Crime, Safety & IT Act
What is cyber crime?
A cyber crime is any illegal activity done using a computer, smartphone or the internet — either the computer is the tool (online fraud, sending threats) or the target (hacking a website, spreading a virus).
Common cyber crimes
"Dear customer, your account will be BLOCKED today. Update KYC now: http://sbi-kyc-update.xyz" — urgency, a strange link, spelling mistakes and requests for OTP/PIN are red flags. Real banks never ask for your OTP.
Malware and its types
Malware (malicious software) is any program written to harm a computer, steal data or spy on the user.
| Type | How it works |
|---|---|
| Virus | Attaches to files; spreads when the infected file is opened or shared. |
| Worm | Self-replicating; spreads over networks on its own and eats up bandwidth. |
| Trojan horse | Looks like a useful app (free game, cracked software) but secretly does harm. |
| Spyware | Secretly records your activity — keystrokes, passwords, screenshots. |
| Adware | Shows unwanted pop-up ads, often bundled with free software. |
| Ransomware | Encrypts your files and demands payment. |
Protection: install antivirus and keep it updated, keep the OS updated, use a firewall, and download apps only from official stores.
Cyber safety habits
- 1Use strong passwords — 12+ characters mixing words, numbers and symbols (e.g.
Mango!River7Desk); never reuse passwords. - 2Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for email, social media and banking.
- 3Never share OTP, PIN, CVV or passwords — not even with friends or "bank staff".
- 4Check the website starts with https:// and has the correct spelling before entering details.
- 5Do not click unknown links or download attachments from strangers.
- 6Avoid banking on public Wi-Fi; log out from shared computers.
- 7Back up important files regularly (protects from ransomware).
Reporting cyber crime
If you face cyber fraud or harassment: do not panic, do not pay, take screenshots as evidence, block the person, tell a parent or teacher, and report on cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (national cyber fraud helpline). Reporting quickly increases the chance of stopping money transfers.
Indian Information Technology Act
The Information Technology Act, 2000 (amended in 2008) is India’s main law for the digital world. It gives legal recognition to electronic records and digital signatures, and lists punishments for cyber crimes.
| Section | Offence |
|---|---|
| 43 | Damage to computer systems, unauthorised access (penalty / compensation) |
| 66 | Hacking and other computer-related offences |
| 66C | Identity theft (misusing passwords, digital signature) |
| 66D | Cheating by impersonation using a computer (online fraud) |
| 66E | Violation of privacy (capturing or sharing private images) |
| 67 | Publishing obscene material online |
CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) is the national agency that responds to cyber-security incidents.
E-waste management
E-waste is discarded electronic equipment — old phones, chargers, laptops, batteries, TVs. It contains toxic materials like lead, mercury and cadmium that pollute soil and water and harm health if thrown in normal garbage or burnt.
India’s E-Waste (Management) Rules make producers responsible for collecting and recycling their products (Extended Producer Responsibility).
Health and technology
- Eye strain: follow the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Posture: keep the screen at eye level, back straight and feet flat to avoid neck and back pain.
- Hands: long typing can cause repetitive strain injury; take breaks.
- Mind: limit screen time, avoid phones before sleep, balance online and outdoor activity.
Gender and disability issues
Technology should be for everyone. Girls are sometimes discouraged from computer science, or have less access to devices — schools and families should give equal opportunity and encouragement. Learners with disabilities need assistive technology: screen readers (NVDA), text-to-speech, Braille keyboards, voice typing, captions and high-contrast themes. Software and websites should be designed to be accessible.
Summary & practice
- Cyber crimes: hacking, phishing, cyberbullying, identity theft, ransomware, DoS.
- Malware: virus, worm, trojan, spyware, adware, ransomware.
- Stay safe with strong passwords, 2FA, https, no OTP sharing, backups; report on cybercrime.gov.in / 1930.
- IT Act 2000 (2008): sections 43, 66, 66C, 66D, 66E, 67.
- Manage e-waste with reduce–reuse–recycle; protect health; make technology inclusive.
Identify: (a) A free "game" that steals your contacts. (b) Fake SMS asking to update KYC by clicking a link. (c) Someone creates a fake profile with your photo. (d) Malware that spreads on its own through a school network.
Answers: (a) Trojan (b) Phishing / smishing (c) Identity theft (d) Worm.
