Meaning:
Cyber crime is any unlawful act involving computers, digital networks, or the internet.
It includes unauthorized access, data theft, financial fraud, defamation, and online harassment.
Types of Cyber Crimes
| Category | Examples | Law / Section |
| 1. Financial Fraud | Online banking fraud, phishing, UPI scams, fake job offers | Sec. 66C, 66D IT Act, 420 IPC |
| 2. Identity Theft | Using personal info, fake profiles, cloning cards | Sec. 66C IT Act |
| 3. Cyber Bullying / Harassment | Online threats, stalking, obscene messages | Sec. 67, 67A IT Act, 354D IPC |
| 4. Data Theft / Hacking | Unauthorized access to data, hacking websites | Sec. 43, 66 IT Act |
| 5. Cyber Terrorism | Attacks on government or critical infrastructure | Sec. 66F IT Act |
| 6. Defamation / Misinformation | Posting false or defamatory material | Sec. 66A (struck down), 500 IPC |
| 7. Child Exploitation | Circulation of child sexual content | POCSO Act + Sec. 67B IT Act |
How to Protect / Rescue Yourself
1️. Technical Safety Measures
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Keep your software, apps, and antivirus updated.
- Avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments.
- Logout from accounts after use, especially on shared devices.
- Use secured Wi-Fi and avoid public networks for transactions.
2️. Social & Legal Protection
- Don’t share personal details or photos with strangers online.
- If you receive threats, blackmail, or scam messages, take screenshots and report.
- File a cyber complaint on
🔗 https://cybercrime.gov.in (National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal). - You can also report to nearest Cyber Police Station or dial 1930 (Cyber Helpline).
- For social media abuse, report directly to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter).
3️. Legal Remedies
- IT Act, 2000 governs cyber offences.
- CrPC provisions allow investigation and prosecution.
- Victims can seek compensation under Section 43A IT Act for data loss or privacy breach.
Key Cyber Crime Judgments (India)
| Case | Citation | Principle |
| Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, (2015) 5 SCC 1 | Struck down Section 66A IT Act (free speech protection). | |
| C.B.I. v. Arif Azim, 2008 Cri LJ 384 (Delhi) | One of the first Indian cyber fraud cases — online credit card misuse punished. | |
| Kartar Singh v. State of Punjab, (1994) | Recognized cyber terrorism threat under Indian law. |
If You’re a Victim
- Stay calm — don’t delete evidence.
- Collect proof — screenshots, emails, chat logs.
- File a cyber complaint online or at cyber cell.
- Inform your bank immediately (in financial frauds).
- Change passwords and secure your accounts.
In Short
Cyber Crime is any offence using a computer or digital device.
Rescue yourself by maintaining digital hygiene, being alert, and using official cybercrime.gov.in or 1930 helpline for redressal.
cybercrime
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