Prevention Methods of Cybercrime

Cybercrime refers to illegal activities carried out using computers and networks, such as hacking, phishing, identity theft, cyberbullying, and spreading malware. Since complete elimination of cybercrime is not possible, preventive measures must be followed at both the individual and organisational levels. The major prevention methods are:

1. Use strong passwords: Keep long passwords that mix uppercase and lowercase letters, digits, and special characters. Avoid names, dates of birth, and common words. Change passwords regularly and never share them with others.

2. Install and update antivirus and firewall: Antivirus software detects and removes viruses, worms, and Trojans, while a firewall blocks unauthorised access to the system. Both should be updated regularly to handle new threats.

3. Keep software and the operating system updated: Installing security patches and updates fixes the weaknesses (vulnerabilities) that attackers use to break into a system.

4. Be careful with emails and links: Do not open attachments or click links from unknown senders, as they may be phishing attempts or carry malware. Verify the sender before responding to any request for personal or financial information.

5. Avoid sharing personal information: Never post sensitive details such as bank account numbers, passwords, or citizenship numbers on social media, and never give them over the phone to unknown callers.

6. Use secure connections: While doing online transactions, use only secure websites (those with https and a padlock symbol) and avoid public Wi-Fi for banking or shopping. Use a VPN where necessary.

7. Encrypt important data: Encryption converts data into unreadable form so that even if it is stolen, the attacker cannot misuse it. Regular backups also protect data from loss due to ransomware or system failure.

8. Be aware and educated: Users should be trained about common cybercrimes and safe online habits. Awareness is the most effective defence, because most attacks succeed due to the carelessness of users.

9. Follow cyber laws: Report any cybercrime to the concerned authority (in Nepal, the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police) and follow the provisions of the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063, so that offenders are punished and others are discouraged.

Conclusion: Cybercrime can be greatly reduced if users adopt safe browsing habits, protect their devices with antivirus and firewall, keep their software updated, and stay alert against fraudulent messages. A combination of technical tools, legal provisions, and public awareness is the best defence against cybercrime.

Computer ethics is the set of moral principles and rules that guide the proper and responsible use of computers and information technology.

Commandments of computer ethics (Computer Ethics Institute):

1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.
3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.
4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
6. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.
7. Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorisation or proper compensation.
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you write or the system you design.
10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

(d) All

The three basic components (the CIA triad) of information security are confidentiality (only authorised people can access data), integrity (data stays accurate and unaltered) and availability (data is accessible when needed).

(d) All of the above (a, b and c)

Intellectual property covers creations of the mind, including inventions, artistic and literary works, and discoveries, which are protected by patents, copyrights and trademarks.

(b) Spyware

Spyware is malicious software that secretly monitors a user's online activity — keystrokes, browsing habits, passwords — and sends that information to a third party in the background without the user's knowledge or consent. Malware is the broad category, adware displays unwanted advertisements, and a virus spreads by infecting files.

(d) Ransomware

Ransomware is malicious software that locks or encrypts a computer's files and demands payment (a ransom) from the victim to restore access. Worms, adware and spyware do not primarily demand payment.

(d) all of the above (a, b, c)

Hackers are classified by intent as white hat (ethical, authorised), black hat (malicious, illegal) and grey hat (between the two, hacking without permission but usually without harmful intent).

(c) Antivirus software

McAfee is a well-known antivirus program that detects, blocks and removes viruses and other malware.

Information security is the practice of protecting information and information systems from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, modification or destruction, so that confidentiality, integrity and availability are maintained.

Prevention methods of cybercrime:

• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Install and regularly update antivirus software, a firewall and the operating system.
• Do not open suspicious emails, links or attachments (avoid phishing), and download software only from trusted sources.
• Take regular backups of important data.
• Use encryption and secure (HTTPS) connections, and avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive work.
• Do not share personal or banking details online, and set privacy controls on social media.
• Spread awareness and follow cyber laws; report cybercrime to the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police.

A digital society is a society in which people, organisations and government use digital technologies such as computers, the internet and mobile devices in daily life, work, education, business and services.

Challenges of a digital society:

• Digital divide: Unequal access to devices, internet and digital skills between urban and rural areas or rich and poor people.
• Privacy and security threats: Personal data can be stolen or misused through hacking, phishing, identity theft and malware.
• Cybercrime and cyberbullying: Online fraud, harassment and fake news spread easily.
• Health problems: Overuse causes eye strain, poor posture, sleep problems and addiction to games and social media.
• Unemployment: Automation can replace some traditional jobs, so people need new skills.
• Lack of digital literacy and legal gaps: Many users do not know safe practices, and laws may lag behind technology.

(c) Stalking

Stalking is repeatedly following, watching or harassing a person, including online (cyberstalking). Phishing and identity theft involve deception and stealing information, and bullying is hurtful behaviour, but none of them means constantly following someone.

A digital signature is an encrypted electronic code, created with a private key, that verifies the identity of the sender and the integrity of a digital document or message.

Advantages:

• Authentication: It confirms who the sender is.
• Integrity: Any change to the document after signing is detected.
• Non-repudiation: The signer cannot later deny having signed.
• Saves time and cost: Documents can be signed and sent instantly without printing, posting or travelling.
• Legal validity and security: Under Nepal's Electronic Transactions Act, digital signatures are legally recognised, and they are hard to forge.

Disadvantages:

• It needs software, certificates and internet access, which can be costly to set up and maintain.
• If the private key is stolen or lost, the signature can be misused.
• Certificates expire and must be renewed, and the receiver needs compatible software to verify.
• Lack of awareness and technical knowledge limits its use, and legal acceptance may vary between countries.