Combatting and Preventing Cyber Crime

Combatting and Preventing Cyber Crime

Cyber crime cannot be eliminated entirely, but its impact can be greatly reduced. The textbook presents a twin approach: staying alert and taking legal help. Alertness means being cautious in your own digital behaviour, while legal help means knowing how to report a crime when it happens.

The first step is to know how to file a complaint with the local cyber cell. This is a practical skill every citizen should have — the textbook asks you to explore this on your own.

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Safety Measures to Reduce the Risk of Cyber Crime

The following points are listed as concrete safety measures. Each one addresses a common vulnerability.

Data and system protection

• Take regular backups of important data. If your system is compromised, you will not lose your files.
• Use an antivirus software and keep it updated at all times. Outdated antivirus cannot protect against new threats.
• Always update your system software, including the internet browser and other applications. Updates often patch security holes.

Software and downloads

• Avoid installing pirated software. Pirated copies often contain malware or backdoors.
• Always download software from known and secure sites — those that use HTTPS (the padlock icon in the browser).
• Do not visit or download anything from untrusted websites.
• Browsers usually alert you when a website's security certificate cannot be verified. Avoid visiting such sites.

Passwords and authentication

• Use a strong password for every web login, and change it periodically.
• Do not use the same password for all websites. If one site is compromised, all your accounts become vulnerable.
• Use different combinations of alphanumeric characters, including special characters. Avoid common words or names in your password.

Browsing habits

• When using someone else's computer, do not allow the browser to save your password or auto-fill your data. Use a private browsing window instead.
• For an unknown site, do not agree to use cookies when asked through a Yes/No option. Cookies can track your activity and may be misused.

Online transactions

• Perform online transactions — shopping, ticketing, and other such services — only through well-known and secure sites.

Network security …