Think about how today, we are all living at the periphery of the conventional and the digital worlds. Where some people are still managing to send out letters, while others are nose-deep into artificial intelligence. While the latter can make life much easier and more exciting, it comes at a cost, the dark side of the digital era.
The pathogens of this era cause digital “diseases” like theft, cyberstalking, phishing, and more. And while these issues have been widely discussed in books and by intellectuals, it is still critically important to talk about them at a layman’s level.
How can a common person, someone outside the legal profession, detect and solve these digital mysteries? That’s the question we need to explore.
The Invisible Enemy: What Counts as a Cybercrime Today?
- Identity theft is punishable under Section 66C of the IT Act, 2000.
Using someone else’s personal data—like PAN, Aadhaar, or banking information—for fraudulent purposes can lead to up to 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh.
- Phishing and online financial fraud are among the most reported cybercrimes in India.
According to NCRB’s 2023 data, over 50% of cybercrime cases involved online financial fraud, primarily through fake UPI links, email spoofing, and deceptive SMS.
- Cyberstalking and harassment are addressed under Section 354D of the Indian Penal Code and Section 66A/67 of the IT Act.
Repeated online messaging, monitoring, or sharing obscene content can lead to up to 3 years of jail and/or fines, especially if the victim is a woman.
Hackers, Crackers & Digital Intruders: Who’s Really Behind the Screen?
Hackers, crackers, and digital intruders are individuals who break into computer systems—sometimes to steal data, cause damage, or simply exploit vulnerabilities.
- Hackers may be ethical (white hat) or malicious (black hat), depending on their intent.
- Crackers are those who deliberately bypass security or damage software, often for illegal use.
- Digital intruders include cyberstalkers, fraudsters, or those spreading malware.
Phishing Hooks & Malware Traps: How Cybercriminals Reel You In
- Fake Emails from Trusted Sources (Email Spoofing)
Cybercriminals often impersonate banks, delivery services, or government agencies to trick users into clicking malicious links.
- QR Code Scams (Quishing)
Victims are sent QR codes that, when scanned, redirect to fake payment pages or automatically download malware.
- Fake Job Offers & Lottery Winnings
Scammers promise job opportunities or lottery prizes and ask victims to fill out fake forms or pay processing fees.
- “Digital Arrest” & Law Enforcement Threats
Scammers pose as police, CBI, or RBI officials, claiming the victim’s identity is linked to a crime. They then demand payments to “resolve the issue.”
- Malware via Mobile Apps & APKs
Users are tricked into downloading fake apps or APK files that steal data or give remote access to the attacker.
These tricks often rely on psychological manipulation—fear, urgency, greed, or curiosity. A single click on the wrong link or a scan of a fraudulent QR code can expose users to identity theft, financial loss, or system compromise.
The Future of Cybercrime: AI, Deepfakes, and What’s Next
As AI and deepfake technologies evolve, cybercrime in India is becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. In 2024, India faced over 79 million cyberattacks, with phishing rising by 175% in key sectors like banking and finance. AI-generated scams and voice cloning now trick even the most cautious, with 64% of Indians finding it harder to spot fraud. Healthcare and finance remain top targets for cybercriminals in 2025.
The future demands stronger cybersecurity, awareness, and quick adaptation to combat AI-powered threats before they cause greater harm.
To explore more about cybercrimes and the laws that govern them, check out Cyber Crimes by Talat Fatima
