Cyber Crime & Cyber Safety

A. Cyber Crime Basics

1. Cyber Crime – Illegal activities using computers or the internet.
   Example: Hacking a bank’s database to steal money.

2. Hacker – A person who gains unauthorized access to systems.
   Example: Breaking into someone’s email account.

3. Cracker – A malicious hacker who breaks into systems to cause harm.
   Example: Cracking software to disable license keys.

4. Script Kiddie – An amateur hacker using ready-made tools.
   Example: Running pre-written malware scripts without understanding them.

5. Cyber Forensics – Investigation of crimes involving computers.
   Example: Tracing deleted emails to catch a fraudster.

6. White Hat Hacker – Ethical hacker who tests security.
   Example: Finding security loopholes for a company.

7. Black Hat Hacker – Malicious hacker for personal gain.
   Example: Stealing credit card information online.

8. Gray Hat Hacker – Hacker who sometimes breaks rules but not for evil purposes.
   Example: Exposing security flaws without permission.

9. Cyber Law – Legal rules dealing with online crimes.
   Example: IT Act 2000 in India regulates cyber crimes.

10. Digital Footprint – Online traces left by users.
    Example: Comments, likes, or browsing history stored online.

B. Cyber Attacks

11. Phishing – Fraudulent emails/messages to steal data.
    Example: Fake bank email asking for password.

12. Spear Phishing – Targeted phishing towards specific people.
    Example: Email to a CEO pretending to be from a trusted vendor.

13. Whaling – Phishing attack targeting high-profile individuals.
    Example: Attacking a government minister’s email.

14. Vishing – Voice phishing using phone calls.
    Example: Caller pretending to be from a bank to steal PIN.

15. Smishing – Phishing via SMS.
    Example: Fake lottery winning SMS with malicious link.

16. Spoofing – Faking identity online.
    Example: Email appearing from “support@paypal.com” but fake.

17. Malware – Malicious software harming computers.
    Example: A virus deleting files.

18. Virus – Self-replicating malware attached to files.
    Example: “ILOVEYOU” virus spreading via email attachments.

19. Worm – Malware spreading without human action.
    Example: Internet worm infecting thousands of computers automatically.

20. Trojan Horse – Malware disguised as useful software.
    Example: Fake “video player” that installs spyware.

21. Ransomware – Locks data until ransom is paid.
    Example: WannaCry attack demanding Bitcoin payment.

22. Spyware – Monitors user activities secretly.
    Example: Keylogger recording typed passwords.

23. Adware – Displays unwanted ads on devices.
    Example: Free apps showing pop-ups continuously.

24. Botnet – Network of infected devices controlled remotely.
    Example: DDoS attack using thousands of hijacked computers.

25. Denial of Service (DoS) – Overloading a system to crash it.
    Example: Flooding a website with traffic to make it unavailable.

26. Distributed DoS (DDoS) – DoS using multiple infected systems.
    Example: Amazon servers attacked by huge botnet.

27. Zero-Day Attack – Exploiting software before a patch is released.
    Example: Using a new Windows flaw before Microsoft fixes it.

28. Brute Force Attack – Trying all password combinations.
    Example: Guessing a Wi-Fi password by repeated trials.

29. Dictionary Attack – Using wordlists to crack passwords.
    Example: Using common words to guess “password123”.

30. SQL Injection – Malicious SQL queries to steal database info.
    Example: Getting usernames and passwords from a website’s database.

C. Cyber Crimes Against People

31. Cyber Bullying – Harassment using digital platforms.
    Example: Sending abusive comments on social media.

32. Cyber Stalking – Repeatedly monitoring someone online.
    Example: Tracking someone’s Facebook posts without consent.

33. Identity Theft – Stealing personal details to commit fraud.
    Example: Using someone’s Aadhaar number to open a bank account.

34. Online Fraud – Cheating through online transactions.
    Example: Fake shopping site taking money without delivery.

35. Job Scam – Fake job offers to cheat people.
    Example: Charging “registration fees” for a non-existent job.

36. Catfishing – Creating fake profiles to deceive people.
    Example: Pretending to be a different person on dating apps.

37. Revenge Porn – Sharing private photos without consent.
    Example: Ex-partner uploading intimate videos online.

38. Cyber Grooming – Building online relationships to exploit minors.
    Example: Convincing a child to share private photos.

39. Sextortion – Blackmailing using private photos/videos.
    Example: Threatening to leak images unless money is paid.

40. Impersonation – Pretending to be someone else online.
    Example: Fake Facebook account of a celebrity.

D. Cyber Crimes Against Property

41. Cyber Vandalism – Damaging digital property.
    Example: Defacing a company’s website.

42. Data Theft – Stealing digital information.
    Example: Copying customer databases illegally.

43. Intellectual Property Theft – Stealing creative work.
    Example: Downloading pirated software or movies.

44. Software Piracy – Copying/distributing software illegally.
    Example: Selling cracked versions of Windows.

45. Salami Attack – Small unnoticed thefts adding up to large fraud.
    Example: Bank employee deducting a few paise from each account.

46. Logic Bomb – Code that triggers on a condition.
    Example: Employee plants malware to delete data after leaving job.

47. Cyber Espionage – Spying on organizations/governments online.
    Example: Hacking defense ministry emails.

48. Website Defacement – Unauthorized alteration of a webpage.
    Example: Changing a university homepage with offensive content.

49. Online Auction Fraud – Misleading buyers on e-commerce sites.
    Example: Selling fake iPhones on eBay.

50. Financial Fraud – Using cyberspace to cheat money.
    Example: Online banking scams.

E. Cyber Safety Practices

51. Antivirus Software – Protects systems from malware.
    Example: Using Quick Heal or Norton.

52. Firewall – Blocks unauthorized access to networks.
    Example: Windows Firewall stopping suspicious traffic.

53. Encryption – Converting data into unreadable code.
    Example: WhatsApp chats are end-to-end encrypted.

54. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Extra security with OTP or biometrics.
    Example: Logging into Gmail with password + OTP.

55. Password Manager – Tool to store complex passwords.
    Example: LastPass, Bitwarden.

56. Strong Password – Mix of letters, numbers & symbols.
    Example: S@feP@ss2025!

57. Digital Signature – Electronic authentication method.
    Example: Signing e-documents for e-filing taxes.

58. VPN (Virtual Private Network) – Secures internet connection by hiding IP.
    Example: Using NordVPN for safe browsing.

59. Biometric Authentication – Security using fingerprints/face scan.
    Example: Unlocking phone with fingerprint.

60. Backup – Copying data to avoid loss.
    Example: Saving files to Google Drive weekly.

F. Social Media & Online Safety

61. Privacy Settings – Controls who sees your data online.
    Example: Making Instagram account private.

62. Cyber Hygiene – Safe online habits.
    Example: Regularly updating software and changing passwords.

63. Digital Detox – Taking a break from online activities.
    Example: Staying offline on weekends.

64. Oversharing – Posting too much personal info online.
    Example: Sharing travel details publicly on Facebook.

65. Clickjacking – Tricking users to click hidden elements.
    Example: Hidden “Like” button under a video.

66. Fake News – False info spread online.
    Example: Hoax about celebrity deaths on Twitter.

67. Trolling – Posting offensive comments to provoke others.
    Example: Insulting players after a sports match online.

68. Digital Addiction – Overuse of digital devices.
    Example: Gaming for 12 hours daily ignoring studies.

69. Online Reputation – How people see you online.
    Example: Employers checking LinkedIn before hiring.

70. Cyber Wellness – Balancing safe & healthy online use.
    Example: Limiting screen time for mental health.

G. Advanced Cyber Concepts

71. Blockchain Security – Securing transactions with blockchain.
    Example: Bitcoin using blockchain for safe transfers.

72. Cryptojacking – Using someone’s device to mine crypto secretly.
    Example: Malicious site using visitor’s CPU for mining.

73. Deepfake – AI-generated fake videos/images.
    Example: Fake video of a politician giving a speech.

74. Dark Web – Hidden part of internet used for illegal trade.
    Example: Buying drugs or weapons using Tor browser.

75. Surface Web – Normal accessible internet.
    Example: Google search results pages.

76. Deep Web – Data not indexed by search engines.
    Example: Private databases, academic journals.

77. IoT Hacking – Attacking smart devices.
    Example: Hacking smart cameras to spy.

78. Cloud Security – Protecting data on online servers.
    Example: Securing Google Drive with 2FA.

79. Digital Currency Fraud – Scams using cryptocurrencies.
    Example: Fake Bitcoin investment schemes.

80. Social Engineering – Tricking people to reveal info.
    Example: Pretending to be IT staff to get passwords.

H. Cyber Laws & Governance

81. IT Act 2000 (India) – First Indian cyber law.
    Example: Punishes identity theft & hacking.

82. GDPR (Europe) – Data protection law.
    Example: EU companies need user consent for data use.

83. Cyber Ethics – Responsible online behavior.
    Example: Not downloading pirated movies.

84. Copyright Violation – Using creative work without permission.
    Example: Uploading a song without crediting owner.

85. Cyber Security Policy – Rules for safe IT use in organizations.
    Example: Company banning use of USB drives at work.

86. CERT-In – Indian cyber emergency response team.
    Example: Responding to major DDoS attacks in India.

87. Cyber Tribunal – Special court for cyber crimes.
    Example: Hearing disputes on digital fraud cases.

88. Digital Evidence – Electronic data used in court.
    Example: Chat logs submitted as proof of cyber harassment.

89. Cyber Patrol – Online monitoring by authorities.
    Example: Police tracking illegal dark web trade.

90. Cyber Insurance – Financial protection from cyber attacks.
    Example: Company claiming insurance after ransomware loss.

I. Miscellaneous Terms

91. Online Banking Fraud – Stealing money via digital banking.
    Example: Fake UPI request to transfer funds.

92. E-Waste – Discarded electronic devices.
    Example: Old laptops dumped without wiping data.

93. Keystroke Logging – Recording keys typed.
    Example: Malware capturing ATM PIN.

94. Drive-By Download – Automatic download of malware.
    Example: Visiting infected websites installing trojans.

95. Cyber Terrorism – Using internet to spread terror.
    Example: Hacking government websites for propaganda.

96. Digital Divide – Gap between digital haves & have-nots.
    Example: Rural areas lacking internet access.

97. Blue Whale Challenge – Deadly online game forcing self-harm.
    Example: Teen deaths reported due to the challenge.

98. Fake Profile Scam – Creating fake social media accounts.
    Example: Impersonating friend to borrow money online.

99. Shoulder Surfing – Watching someone’s screen/password.
    Example: Peeking at ATM PIN while person types.

100. Cyber Safety Awareness – Educating users about safe online practices.
     Example: School workshops on phishing prevention.