The crimes, specific to individuals, can be counted from any cyberspace or computer-mediated assault upon the personal information, privacy, or wellness of an individual. Cybercrime of this kind includes identity theft, cyberstalking, and online harassment, among others.

In this blog, cyber crimes against individuals, their types, and legal protections are explored. It also covers preventive measures and steps to report cyber crimes in India.

Classification of Cyber Crimes

Cybercrimes can be classified based on the target of the crime and the resultant harm inflicted. It may affect persons, property, organisations, and society. Some of the examples of cyber crimes include hacking, identity theft, phishing, and cyber-stalking. The following presents a more detailed insight on the types of cybercrime:

Cyber Crimes Against Individuals

• Identity Theft: To impersonate someone for purposes of fraud, one can steal personal actualities such as bank accounts or Social Security numbers.
• Phishing: It fraudulently lures victims into revealing confidential details via email or website.
• Cyberstalking: The act of harassing or threatening or stalking an individual by electronic means.
• Cyber Bullying: To bully another with the internet.
• Online Harassment: Repeated threats and harassment through online platforms.
• Internet Fraud: Online means of cheating in order to benefit financially.

Cyber Crimes Against Organisations

• Cyber Espionage: Unauthorised access to an organisation’s confidential information for malicious intent. 
• Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks: Flooding a website or network with excessive traffic to disable it. 
• Data Breaches: Illegal access and theft of sensitive data from company systems.
• Financial Fraud: Stealing money from the organisation or its customers by means of online crime.
• Cyber Terrorism: Deliberate and organised act of attacking and causing destruction of infrastructures with the aim of harming or destabilizing any system using information and communications technology.

Cyber Crimes Against Society at Large

• Cyber Terrorism: Using digital attacks to harm national security, create fear, or disrupt critical infrastructure, such as power grids or financial systems.
• Cyber Warfare: State-sponsored attacks designed to debilitate a nation through the rendering of its technological and communication systems dysfunctional.
• Online Exploitation of Children: A defence consideration involving the distribution and production of abusive content involving children that are against societal values and security.
• Internet Fraud: Major scams, such as Ponzi schemes or fictitious online auctions, that target many people and businesses.
• Mass-Scale Identity Theft: Large-scale breaches in which personal information belonging to thousands or millions of individuals is taken, thus having an effect upon society as a whole.
• The Dark Web Markets: Facilitating illegal activities concerning goods that pose serious risks to public safety and order, such as drugs, weapons, and stolen data.

Legal Framework for Cyber Crimes in India

Primarily, the cyber crime laws in India are vested in the Information Technology Act, 2000, which deals with crimes such as hacking, identity theft, online fraud, and breaches of data security. This law has been further strengthened by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which establishes protections for personal data. Certain cybercrime apprehensions are also supported by their governing sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Prevention and Protection from Cyber Crime

Staying safe online and promptly reporting cybercrime helps minimize the effect of digital threats. This section discusses the possible ways an individual can be protected from cybercrime and guidance on reporting incidences in India.

How to Stay Safe Online

Protecting yourself online starts with adopting strong cybersecurity practices. Changing passwords on a regular basis, enabling two-factor authentication, and exercising caution against phishing attempts are some ways to secure your virtual life. Configuring privacy settings with social media along with other platforms helps keep low from potential threats.

Reporting Cyber Crime in India

In India, victims of cybercrime can report an incident through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Various cyber crime cells which are conducted all over the country investigate such complaints. Thus, timely reporting ensures speedy action and prevents further crimes.

Law Enforcement Agencies and Cyber Crime

Law enforcement plays an important role in the fight against cybercrime. This section focuses on the functions performed by cyber crime cells and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal regarding online threats and prompt action against offenders.

Cyber Crime Cells and Their Role

• There are designated units within law enforcement agencies that respond to digital crimes.
• Such units are involved in the investigation of fraud, cyber-stalking, data breaches, and any other cyber offenses.
• They find a suspect and collect digital evidence.
• Then, the cybercriminals are legally prosecuted.

National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

• It is an efficient online facility for the reporting of cyber crimes by the public.
• It serves as a centralised focal point for the lodging of complaints against all types of cyber offenses.
• When a public complainant encounters cybercrime, action and investigation by relevant authorities are initiated immediately.
• It channels the investigations into the relevant cybercrime cells for further action.

Role of Lawyers in Cyber Crime Cases

Lawyers in cybercrime cases are known to provide legal advice, representation, and protection of rights to victims and those accused of committing crimes. They take their clients through cyber law and give legal assistance to their clients-whether they are victims or defendants. The following is a breakdown of the proper role of a lawyer in a cybercrime case:

1. Legal Guidance and Representation:

Cybercrime lawyers practice the laws governing cyber crimes like IT Act and provide expert legal advice and representation against criminal offenses committed in the cyber world. They assist clients in navigating complicated legal maneuvers while guarding against violations of their rights.

2. Investigation and Evidence Collection:

Lawyers help collect evidence in the digital domain, liaising with cyber forensics experts, and assessing legal outcomes in case of incidents compromisable to cyberspace. They also assist with proper notification of law enforcement and support victims through the process of reporting.

3. Drafting and Reviewing Legal Documents:

Cybercrime lawyers draft and analyze critical documents, including cybersecurity policies and data protection agreements. They also ensure that their clients meet the requirements for compliance with the relevant laws and regulations so that they can prevent their clients from incurring digital disasters.

4. Dispute Resolution:

Lawyers assist their clients in negotiating and mediating disputes connected to cyber crimes in order to avoid long court trials. They use their legal expertise to work out a settlement where both parties can agree. 

5. Awareness and Education:

Lawyers educate their clients on the legal side of cybersecurity and develop awareness of cybercrime laws. They help persons and organizations to come into an understanding about digital risks and preventive measures.

6. Areas of Expertise:

Cybercrime lawyers offer expertise in areas like data privacy, intellectual property protection, cybersecurity, and e-commerce. They provide legal advice to clients’ interests in the digital space.

Tips to Avoid Cyber Crimes Against Individuals

Protecting yourself from cyber crimes requires adopting strong security practices. Strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and avoiding doubtful links could enhance online safety to great extent.

• Have a strong and unique password composed of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• For further safeguarding of online accounts, enable two-factor authentication.
• Do not open duplicate links or download attachments from untrustworthy emails.
• Be careful with how you share personal information or sensitive information online.
• Your antivirus software should be up to date, and your Wi-Fi connections should be secure.
• Check that the website is legitimate before entering any financial information.
• Regularly update your operating system and applications to correct security vulnerabilities.
• Keep abreast on new cyber-threats, and help spread the word.

How to File a Cyber Complaint for Cyber Crime Against an Individual

Reporting cyber crimes is very essential in pursuing justice and preventing additional crimes. A citizen can file a complaint through the various cyber crime cells or portals to get justice and action in quick time. To do so, follow these 9 steps:

Step 1: Visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).

Step 2: Select the appropriate category of cyber crime.

Step 3: Fill in the required complaint details.

Step 4: Upload any supporting evidence.

Step 5: Submit the complaint and note the reference number.

Step 6: Alternatively, visit the nearest cyber crime cell in your area.

Step 7: Submit a written complaint with full incident details.

Step 8: Attach proof such as screenshots, emails, or transaction records.

Step 9: Follow up with authorities for investigation and legal action.

Conclusion

Cyber crimes against individuals pose serious risks, from identity theft to online harassment. To protect individual information, it is the need of the hour to stay alert, keep good security systems, and know about legal protections. Acting quickly and legally against the crimes is of paramount importance if you are threatened by the cyber world.

Zolvit provides legal support for cyber crime cases and helps the affected with all legal proceedings to protect their rights.