Ways to Outsmart Cybercriminals, Be Prepared

Crimes on the internet, particularly on social media, are becoming increasingly common. Recently, a woman was raped after believing she was applying for a job through Facebook.

How can we protect ourselves from cybercrimes and address them? What do our laws say? What are the loopholes in our legislation? Social media has become a bigger part of people’s daily lives. However, are we truly equipped to use them wisely? Answers from Me Utchanah:

Me Manindra Utchanah

Social media has revolutionized how we communicate, get information, and entertain ourselves. But using them requires digital literacy.

It’s essential to be aware of the information shared online, understand privacy settings, and recognize reliable sources. Unfortunately, not everyone has these skills, which can lead to problematic situations.

How can we avoid traps on the internet, especially on social media? Firstly, it’s crucial to check and adjust privacy settings regularly. Secondly, never share sensitive information like home address, bank details, or passwords.

Thirdly, be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. Additionally, use verified sources for information. Also, pay attention to friend requests or messages from unknown people.

You must be constantly vigilant and aware that any information shared or certain information can be used against you at any time.

What do our laws say about cybercrime? The Information and Communication Technologies Act (ICT Act) lists offenses such as knowingly sending false or fraudulent messages, using telecommunications equipment to send offensive or misleading messages, and impersonating someone else online.

The Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act includes offenses like unauthorized interception of computer services, illicit access for criminal purposes, and illegal possession of computer devices and data.

What are the loopholes? One of the main gaps is the speed at which technology evolves compared to legislative updates, creating gray areas.

Additionally, there is often a lack of resources for enforcing these laws and a need for improved international cooperation to combat crimes that know no borders.

What do you suggest? To improve the situation, I believe regular updates to legislation to reflect technological advancements are necessary.

Investments in training law enforcement and judicial members on cybercrime specifics. Public awareness campaigns to educate the population on online risks and best practices.

What are the impacts on an individual’s life? They can range from personal enrichment through sharing and discovery to more negative consequences like misinformation, online harassment, and, in extreme cases, crimes like phishing or identity theft. These acts can have deep psychological, financial, and social repercussions on victims.

How to protect oneself? Be aware of the personal, financial, and sensitive information you provide. Cybercriminals will scan your social media profiles for information about you. Verify the profiles of users you communicate with.

Always plan meetings in public places, during peak times, and preferably with company. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication where possible. Stay informed about the latest tactics used by cybercriminals. Educating yourself and your loved ones on online best practices is also essential.

What sanctions are there for online offenses? Anyone guilty under the ICT Act Section 46 can face a fine not exceeding Rs 1,000,000 and a prison term of up to ten years.

Other penalties include confiscation of equipment used in the offense and cancellation of network or communication service licenses held by the convicted individual.

The Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act states that a person found guilty can be fined up to one million rupees and imprisoned for up to 20 years.

Source: Defi Media