Cyber Crime Against Property in India

Cyber crime against property has become a significant concern in India with the rapid digitisation of various sectors. From individuals to large corporations, everyone is vulnerable to cyber threats that can lead to financial loss, data theft and reputational damage. In this article, we will discuss the various forms of cybercrime against property in India, the legal framework in place to address such crimes and the measures individuals and organisations can take to protect themselves.

What is Cyber Crime Against Property?

Cyber crime against property are the crimes where the internet, computers or other digital technologies are used to illegally deprive someone of their property or interfere with their property rights.

Forms of Cybercrime Against Property

Intellectual Property Crimes

Intellectual property encompasses a set of rights and any illegal action that fully or partially deprives the owner of these rights is an offence. Common violations include software piracy, copyright infringement, trademark infringement, patent violations, design infringements and service mark violations.

Cyber Squatting

Cybersquatting occurs when two individuals claim the same domain name. This can happen when one party registers the name first or claims the right to it based on prior use. For example, two similar names like www.yahoo.com and www.yaahoo.com.

Cyber Vandalism

Vandalism involves intentionally destroying or damaging another person’s property. Cyber vandalism refers to destroying or damaging data when a network service is disrupted or stopped. It can also include physical harm to a computer, its components or peripherals.

Hacking Computer Systems

Hacktivism involves unauthorised access or control over a computer system. Famous examples include attacks on Twitter and blogging platforms. Such attacks can result in data loss and damage to computers. Research suggests that these attacks are often not motivated by financial gain but by a desire to tarnish a person or company’s reputation.

Transmitting Viruses

Viruses are programs that attach themselves to files or computers and spread to other files or computers on a network. They typically alter or delete data on the affected computer. Worm attacks are particularly effective at compromising individuals’ computer systems.

Cyber Trespass

Cyber trespass involves accessing someone’s computer without authorisation. This access does not involve disturbing, altering, misusing or damaging data or systems. It can occur through unauthorised wireless internet connections.

Internet Time Thefts

Internet time theft falls under hacking. It involves the unauthorised use of internet hours paid for by another person. The perpetrator gains access to someone else’s ISP user ID and password, either through hacking or illegal means and uses it to access the internet without the owner’s knowledge. Signs of time theft include frequent recharging of internet time despite infrequent usage.

Hacking

Hacking involves gaining unauthorised access to computer systems or networks. Hackers can steal sensitive information, disrupt operations or cause financial loss.

Phishing

Phishing is a form of cyber fraud where attackers trick individuals into providing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details or personal information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom to decrypt them. It can cause significant financial and data loss.

Identity Theft

Identity theft involves stealing someone’s personal information, such as their name, date of birth and social security number, to commit fraud or other crimes.

Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks

DoS attacks involve flooding a network or server with traffic to overwhelm it and prevent legitimate users from accessing it.

Legal Framework on Cyber Crime Against Property in India

In India, cybercrime against property is governed by the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The IT Act provides legal recognition for electronic transactions, digital signatures and other cyber activities. It also defines various cyber offences and prescribes penalties for them.

Under the IT Act, the following cyber offences related to property are punishable:

• Unauthorised access to a computer system (Section 43)
• Hacking with intent to cause damage (Section 66)
• Identity theft (Section 66C)
• Publishing false digital signature certificates (Section 73)
• Breach of confidentiality and privacy (Section 72)

Additionally, the IPC contains provisions that can be used to prosecute cybercrime, such as:

• Sections 378 and 379 (theft)
• Sections 420 and 463 (cheating and forgery)
• Section 499 (defamation)

Measures to Prevent Cyber Crime Against Property

• Use Strong Passwords: Use complex and unique passwords for your online accounts and change them regularly.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security.
• Install Antivirus Software: Install and regularly update antivirus software to protect against malware.
• Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Be cautious of emails, messages or websites that ask for personal or financial information.
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system and software to protect against known vulnerabilities.
• Use Secure Connections: Use secure connections (HTTPS) for online transactions and avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities.
• Backup Data Regularly: Regularly back up your data to protect against ransomware attacks.
• Educate Employees: Educate employees about cyber threats and best practices for cybersecurity.

Conclusion

Cybercrime against property is a growing threat in India, affecting individuals, businesses and government organisations alike. It is important for everyone to be aware of the various forms of cybercrime and take proactive measures to protect themselves. By following best practices for cybersecurity and staying informed about the latest threats, individuals and organisations can reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrime.