The physical world has gotten so much integrated with the virtual one that it would suffice to say, we are beings of internet. Internet has seen an ultra exponential expansion, especially in the last two-three decades. This inflation, brought huge advantages, but like every coin has two facets, so are the cons of this web. Cybercrime, defined as any offense committed against individuals or groups of individuals so as to harm them socially, economically, or both and Cyber attack, a new kind of warfare that involves computers, networks, algorithms, programs and hacking, have increasingly become the new ‘norm’ in crime.
The only plausible action against them is similar to the steps taken against any crime, education and strengthening of the system. And here is where Tier-2 cities of our nation, stand fragile. Although people are getting aware day by day, that is coming at a severe cost, as confirmed by recent surveys.
Studies conducted by cyber security provider K7 Computing, showed that Patna, capital of Bihar, registered the highest percentile of cyber attacks (47%) as compared to other Tier-2 cities. Guwahati stands at a huge 45%, Lucknow at 44%, Bhubaneswar at 43% and Jaipur at 40%. It was stated in the study that almost 3 OUT OF 10 Indian users encounter one or more cyber attacks. Interestingly, metro cities too experienced a similar number of attacks as contrast to the last quarter.
For a nation of villages, this finding is of real concern added by the increasing amount of towns and small cities. In a day and age where internet is available at cheap prices and is accessible to all, cyber security becomes a vital concern. According to the survey, almost all metropolitans have recorded a surge in the cyber attacks than last quarter. Chennai, has the perilous conditions of all, standing at a whooping 46%, followed by Kolkata at 41%. Cybercities of India, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, reported 41% & 39% respectively, with Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad following suit at 30%, 35% and 37% respectively. The survey covered almost 7 million unique devices and incidents under their investigative study.
Cyber Law In India
This surge can be explained by two factors; lack of awareness and lack of strong, clear and decisive cyberlaws in India, of which the second plays a major hand. Although, cyber cells of several state Police are really effective, for instance Maharashtra, but the laws codified in IPC are not strong enough. The existing laws of India, even with the most compassionate and liberal interpretation could not be interpreted in the light of the emergency cyberspace, to include all aspects relating to different activities in cyberspace. In fact, the practical experience and the wisdom of judgement found that it shall not be without major threats and pitfalls, if the existing laws were to be interpreted in the scenario of emerging cyberspace, without enacting new cyber laws. Hence, the need for enactment of relevant cyber laws.
But, we as the dwellers of cyberspace can take protective measures too, to ensure our survival against these increasingly sophisticated cyber criminals.
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