Cyber Laws | Our Data is Our Responsibility Too.

The internet has indeed made our lives a lot easier. But it is also the fact that crimes like phishing attacks, malware, identity theft, online credentials breach, debit & credit card frauds, etc., exist because of the internet. Yes, the internet is fun. It is crucial for many businesses, but we can’t say that it is entirely SAFE. 

Computers are the sole weapons behind many unlawful cybercrime activities. These electronics are also used as a subject or an object in cyberspace (Internet), and we call this entire activity a cybercrime. So, to protect individuals like us from cyber crimes and punish illegal practitioners, Cyber Laws were made. In other words, they make the internet safe for us.

Cyber Laws came into action under the Information Technology Act, 2000. Some of the highlighted sections in this Act were:

• Section 65 - Tampering with computer source documents
• Section 66 - Using the password of another person
• Section 66D - Cheating using computer resources
• Section 66E - Publishing private images of others
• Section 66F - Acts of cyber terrorism
• Section 67- Publishing child porn and predating children online
• Section 69 - Government’s power to block websites
• Section 43A - Data protection at the corporate level

To understand these laws, you can refer to this link.

Not only this Act, but the government has also taken additional steps regarding cybersecurity. But, it’s not enough. All these measures are of no use if individuals like us are being unaware and careless. We, the citizens or should I say, ‘The Netizens’ of this country, also need to take precautions for our own good.

What are the Precautionary Measures I can Take?

The cybersecurity in our country is continuously upgrading, and so are the individuals performing cyber crimes. No matter what measures the government takes, every day a new illegal trick shows-up in cyberspace. But, if we take small precautionary measures while using the internet, we can protect ourselves from cybercrimes. For instance,

• Keep antivirus and operating systems up to date
• Regularly backup our important/sensitive data
• Be careful while opening suspicious web links/URLs
• Using a strong password with a combination of special characters, numbers, upper and lower case letters
• Update passwords periodically
• Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts
• Use the latest security tools like firewalls and antivirus software to protect our critical data and privacy

To learn more about precautionary measures, and the latest updates regarding cyberspace, follow @cyberdost on Twitter. It is the government’s official Twitter handle, the Ministry of Home Affairs of India operates the account.

Can I be a Victim of Cyber Crime?

If you are thinking, “Why would someone target me? I can’t be a victim of cyber crimes!” Then you are completely wrong. Any person who has access to the internet is at possible risk of being a victim online. 

According to Statista, around 696.77 million people have access to the internet. It means whether you use online banking, or open dozens of websites daily, even if you are reading this article, that means you have access to the internet. And that's why you should be aware of cyber laws and cybercrimes.

So, What Measures Should I take if I run an Online Business?

If you are running an e-commerce store or any online business, you should know that it is the owner’s responsibility to take necessary steps regarding cyber safety. You must have a secure system for your business and your customer. You should maintain the privacy of your customers. Here are some basic yet necessary measures for both: the owner and the customer. 

For the Owner:

• Always monitor your website traffic.
• Use HTTPS across your website.
• Conduct periodic risk assessments.
• Keep all your software up to date.
• Fix vulnerabilities in your website/system as soon as possible.
• Use two-factor authentication.
• It is your responsibility to urge your users to change their passwords at regular intervals.
• A secure gateway for the payment is a must.

For the Customer:

• Use two-factor authentication.
• Browse securely. Use a VPN while browsing.
• Spend some time to enhance your awareness.
• Give priority to set-up a strong password. Also, change them at regular intervals.
• Don't download anything from anonymous websites. Only use trusted sites and apps for download. 
• Keep yourself updated.
• Keep track of your digital footprint.

Conclusion:

The internet is huge. Neither get lost nor get caught in any traps. If you are using the internet, use it right. Don’t let anyone take advantage of your carelessness. If you do everything right, the wrong won’t come in your way. If we, the citizens of this country, take our responsibilities seriously then tackling cybercrime will become a lot easier. So, stay aware and browse securely, because our data is our responsibility too.