Cyber Crime

Cyber crime refers to illegal activities carried out using computers, networks, or the internet. In India, cyber crimes are regulated under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Types of Cyber Crimes

1. Hacking (Section 66 IT Act & Section 379 IPC)

   • Unauthorized access to computer systems or networks.
   • Example: A hacker steals confidential business data from a company’s server.

2. Identity Theft (Section 66C IT Act)

   • Stealing personal information such as Aadhar, PAN, or bank details for fraud.
   • Example: Fraudulently using someone’s identity to apply for a loan.

3. Cyber Fraud & Online Scams (Section 66D IT Act)

   • Online financial frauds, phishing, and fake investment schemes.
   • Example: A fake e-commerce website collects money but never delivers products.

4. Cyber Stalking & Online Harassment (Section 67 IT Act & Section 354D IPC)

   • Repeated online harassment, threats, or blackmail.
   • Example: Sending obscene messages and tracking a victim’s social media.

5. Child Pornography & Obscene Content (Section 67 & 67A IT Act)

   • Publishing, transmitting, or distributing sexually explicit material.
   • Example: Circulating explicit videos/images online.

6. Cyber Terrorism (Section 66F IT Act)

   • Using cyber technology to threaten national security.
   • Example: Hacking government websites to spread terror-related propaganda.

7. Data Breach & Privacy Violations (Section 72 IT Act)

   • Unauthorized access to sensitive personal or corporate data.
   • Example: Leaking customer data from a financial institution.