VICTIMS OF CYBER CRIME AND HOW CAN THEY STAY SAFE.

A report by Norton Cyber Security Insights said that the millennial(those who were born between 1980 and 2000) lacks digital sense and wisdom . According to the report,approximately 55 percent of the millennial in India experienced cyber crime. The report also mentioned that 39 percent of the Indian millennial either experienced ransomware themselves or knew someone who faced it. Nearly 18 percent of millennial victims paid the ransom but did not gain access to their files.The main reason behind the vulnerability is lack of caution and the habit of sharing the password.They are careless about the password security and can be called the password-sharing generation.Inspector Mr. Mohammed Riyazuddin, who was associated with the Rachakonda cyber crime unit, said that it is advisable to have different passwords for each account. “In case anyone hacks one, they will be unable to break into other accounts,” he noted. This generation is more likely to use public Wi-Fi as well as the private ones.
Around 33 per cent people are prone to this type of habit.The people who use public Wi-Fi connections are more vulnerable to hacking.

STEPS THAT THE VICTIMS CAN TAKE

There has been a 50% surge in cyber crime cases registered in India. From crude phishing emails to sophisticated malware attacks, these attacks are designed to invade private information or block access to your systems Factors like high-speed internet connectivity,more and more use of smartphones and lack of awareness about Internet security often play a role in people falling prey to cyber crimes.It is advisable to be safe from these but if you fall prey even after being aware or otherwise,some important points should be kept in mind.

1. Disengage and remove

If your computer or IT infrastructure is under attack,the first step should be to disconnect connection from the Internet as this is the most effective way to prevent further loss of data.If you are fooled into revealing sensitive and
confidential information, you should immediately freeze your bank accounts/credit cards and alter your Internet and mobile banking passwords.

2. Legal Action

Victims are advised to contact their local Cyber Crime Investigation Cell to file a written complaint against the cyber criminals. Mention the nature, extent of damage and relevant documents, data, and other information relevant to the compliant provisions under the Information Technology Act and the Indian Penal Code define cyber crime as a punishable offence.So the offenders will definitely be punished severely

.3. Aware your associates

Theft of your identity or private information can be used to gain access to your contacts. Immediately inform your contacts about the incident.This would help a big deal to lessen the danger of your identity being misused in the future and will also make your acquaintances more aware and be on the safer side.

4. Measures for safer future

Firstly,download antivirus software or a firewall in your device. It would help against viruses and attacks. Secondly, use a strong password with a combination of alpha-numeric characters and never give away your banking details to
anyone. It is also advisable to have different passwords for all the accounts because if one is hacked, they will be unable to break into other accounts.

In our generation,cyber crimes continue to remain an ever growing challenge and no one is safe from it,taking right measures at the proper moment will absolutely help in minimizing the damage caused.

Article By- Ashi Kaim

Editing By- Jasleen Kaur