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Writer's pictureLegal Chronicle

IMPACT OF CYBERCRIME DURING THE PANDEMIC ON THE PEOPLE

Updated: Jul 21, 2020



AUTHOR- Chikita Malhotra.


Cyber-crime is done through electronic gadgets like computers, laptops, phones &, etc. It uses electronic devices, for illegal purposes like online fraud, stalking, photo morphing, trafficking in child pornography, and violating the privacy or steals the identities or infringes intellectual property rights of others. Cyber-crime has rapidly grown in our country from a few years in this field of economy, commerce, entertainment, and government.


1. Cyber-crime during pandemic

As per the cyber security crime wing of Maharashtra Police about COVID-19 fraud which is spreading on the internet, through various social media posts or apps. These kinds of fraud messages have created fear in the minds of the people regarding the pandemic.


As per the officials, such messages are spread in the form like:

  • We will provide employment between the age group of 18 to 40 years and we will also provide 3500 months as a salary during lockdown with a certificate.

  • We will provide a free recharge of Netflix or other video streaming services.

  • We will also provide free internet streaming.

  • Liquor offer sale & etc.

However, this message has a malicious act that is spread through a link. The purpose of the link is to collect information like personal ones that can be saved in users’ devices. This type of link helps them to infringe on the privacy of individuals. Due to this pandemic, the online presence has increased since the lockdown because of that cyber-attacks are increasing.


The cyber-crime Bureau, of New Delhi, has warned the public about the attack in cyberspace through corona-virus websites. The department has shared the URLs of the website and requests the people don’t use them. The list of websites as follows:

  • corona-virus-status[.]space

  • corona-virus-map[.]com

  • canalcero[.]digital

  • corona-virus[.]zone

  • corona-virus-real-time[.]com

  • corona-virus[.]app

  • corona-virus-aware[.]xyz

  • corona-virus[.]healthcare

  • survive corona-virus[.]org

  • vaccine-corona-virus[.]com

  • corona-virus[.]cc

  • Best Corona-virus Protect[.]tk

  • corona-virus update[.]tkc

During the lockdown, there is an increase in cyber-crime against women. As per the National Commission for Women (NCW) reports which state that there is a rapid increase in a cyber-crime case from April 2020.

  • According to Public Care, Akanksha foundation on heads, the foundation will be liable for imprisonment for up to ten years and with a fine.

  • Section 72 of Information Technology Act, 2000: It states about a breach of confidentiality and privacy. The person will be liable imprisonment for two years or fine up to one lakh rupees or both.

  • Section 73 of Information Technology Act, 2000: It state publishing a false digital signature certificate. The person will be liable for imprisonment for two years and a fine up to one lakh rupees or both.

2. How to protect ourselves from cyber-crime?

One can keep themselves protected from scam and fraud by keeping a few points in mind like:

  • Whenever we download the app from the play store, check details about the app, and read the review of other users.

  • Don’t download the app for the third party stores of websites only download from Google play store or Apple pay store.

  • To prevent yourself, from the fake and malicious the app which is installed in your phones, desktop, and laptops use effective antivirus to protect the device.

3. Conclusion

From the beginning of this corona-virus, there is a significant increase in the cyber-crime cases which has been noticed. Due to this pandemic, people are made to work from home because of this lowered the security of the system. Various incidents took place and cyber-criminals don’t miss a chance to violate the privacy of others and gain their personal information. Cyber-security has out many efforts to solve the problem and provide protection to people. While using the internet we should be careful about our day to day activities. So, no one hacks our devices.

Reference

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