Cyber crime

Cyber crime is crime committed in a digital environment, with a computer as the target or as the tool. Viruses copy themselves and damage data; malware (malicious software) gains unauthorised access to systems.

Hacking is gaining unauthorised access to a computer. Ethical (white hat) hackers find weaknesses in systems to help improve their security. Black hat hackers (crackers) break in to steal or damage.

Phishing uses fake emails or websites that look genuine, often by email spoofing (faking the sender's address), to trick people into revealing passwords and bank details. It also happens through phone calls and SMS.

Identity theft is the misuse of someone's stolen personal data (Aadhaar, PAN, bank credentials): financial, criminal or medical identity theft. Ransomware encrypts a victim's data and demands payment to unlock it.

Prevention:

• take regular backups;
• keep antivirus and other software updated; never use pirated software;
• use only secure (HTTPS) and trusted websites;
• use strong, different passwords, and change them regularly;
• use private browsing on shared computers; secure your home Wi-Fi.

If anything asks for your password, stop and check.