Cyber Crime, IT Act & E-waste
What is cyber crime?
Cyber crime is any illegal activity in which a computer, phone or network is the tool or the target – stealing data, cheating people online, harassing someone, or damaging systems.
Common cyber crimes
Preventing cyber crime
- 1Use strong, different passwords and two-factor authentication
- 2Keep antivirus, browser and OS updated; turn on the firewall
- 3Never share OTP or click unknown links; check for https and the real domain
- 4Back up important files regularly (protects from ransomware)
- 5Do not use public Wi-Fi for banking; log out after use
- 6Report bullying or fraud at cybercrime.gov.in or helpline 1930
Indian IT Act, 2000
The Information Technology Act, 2000 (amended in 2008) is India's main law for cyberspace. It gives legal recognition to electronic records and digital signatures, and lists punishments for offences such as hacking, identity theft, sending offensive messages and publishing obscene content. Cyber Appellate Tribunals hear disputes.
E-waste
E-waste is discarded electronic equipment – old phones, computers, TVs, batteries, chargers. It contains valuable metals but also toxic ones like lead, mercury and cadmium.
# E-waste generated in a school in one year (kg) – simple analysis
items = {'Old monitors': 180, 'CPUs': 260, 'Keyboards & mice': 45,
'Printers': 95, 'Batteries': 30, 'Cables': 20}
total = sum(items.values())
print('Total e-waste:', total, 'kg')
for name, kg in sorted(items.items(), key=lambda x: -x[1]):
print(f'{name:18} {kg:4} kg {kg / total * 100:5.1f}%')E-waste management
In India the E-Waste (Management) Rules make producers responsible for collecting and recycling their products (Extended Producer Responsibility).
Health concerns
- Eye strain – follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Back and neck pain – sit straight, keep the screen at eye level.
- Sleep problems – avoid screens an hour before bed.
- Internet addiction – set screen-time limits and take part in outdoor activities.
Self-check
- An SMS says “Your KYC is pending, click here”. Which crime is this? Phishing.
- Which law gives legal recognition to digital signatures in India? IT Act, 2000.
