A survey of 24 countries has found that India ranks sixth in the number of persons falling prey to online crime, with an estimated 80 per cent of those being Internet users. The survey conducted by the Norton Internet Securities revealed that across the globe there has been a loss of an estimated $4 billion in the past 12 months.

The report said Indian cyberspace has been targeted largely by cyber criminals and that these criminals now use local events such as the Indian Premier League matches, music concerts, national disasters, sporting events like cricket world cup etc to lure victims.

“Downloading games, wallpapers, greetings, screensaver pop ups and jingles could lead to a virus attack or other threats. Cyber criminals are also spreading malicious links through instant messaging, SMSes or email using familiar identities from contact list or address book,” said David Hall, Consumer Product Marketing Asia Pacific.

Cyber criminals can follow you on social networking and micro-blogging sites and track your communications which can be used for attack. The victim would come to know that they have been duped only after the transaction has been done.

A senior police officer said, “There have been several cases wherein people have been duped online and have lost huge amount of money. One should cross check the credentials while making transactions.” “After the victim has realised that he has been duped, the first thing he should do is change all the passwords and lodge a complaint.” he added.


source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/online-crime-india-6th-in-number-of-victims/844372/