Meaning and Definitions

Cyber Law rests on a specific working vocabulary. The ten terms below are named explicitly in this syllabus, and each recurs throughout the rest of this chapter (and across any other electronic-transaction context this course touches).

An Electronic Transaction

is any transaction concluded or carried out using electronic means rather than paper documents or physical presence — for example, transferring money online instead of handing over cash, or digitally signing an agreement instead of signing a paper copy.

E-commerce

is the buying, selling, and exchange of goods, services, and information conducted over computer networks, most commonly the internet — an online retail purchase is the everyday example.

E-banking

refers to banking transactions carried out electronically — through internet banking, mobile banking apps, or similar channels such as NEFT/RTGS/UPI transfers and online bill payment — rather than through a physical visit to a bank branch.

An Electronic Signature

is a method, recognised under the Information Technology Act, 2000, of authenticating an electronic record using an electronic technique, giving that record the same legal validity a handwritten signature would give a paper document.

Hacking

means dishonestly or fraudulently gaining unauthorised access to a computer, computer system, or network, typically with intent to damage, alter, or steal the data or resources found there.

Phishing

is a fraudulent attempt — usually a deceptive email, message, or fake website impersonating a genuine organisation such as a bank — designed to trick a person into revealing sensitive information like passwords, PINs, or card details.

Malware

is malicious software — viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, and ransomware are all examples — created to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to a computer system.

Cookies

are small text files a website stores on a user's device to remember information about that visit, such as login status, preferences, or browsing activity.

Spam

refers to unsolicited, usually bulk, electronic messages — most commonly email — sent to a large number of recipients, often for advertising and, increasingly, as a vehicle for phishing or fraud. …