What to do if you are a cyber victim?

Md. Ziaur Rahman : The crime pattern in the digital world is almost the same. In court, it is often observed that the perpetrators are more or less cyber experts while the victims are relatively cyber incompetent or unaware. About 30% of cases pending in tribunals are romance scandals where a woman’s private moment pictures or videos are captured with or without her consent. The criminal later publishes those obscene pictures or videos on social media to take revenge, defame the woman, or blackmail her for money. Cases of false information, threats, and denigrations are close to 35%, and the remaining 35% of cases are filed against cheating, fraud, hacking, incitement, and attack on religion. According to the CCAF research report, among the victims, 57% are women, and 43% are men. Women are more victims compared to men mainly for two reasons- lack of cyber security ​​awareness among them and victim blaming. However, the lack of cyber awareness increases the possibility of becoming a victim of cybercrime for both men and women, while criminals take advantage of the latter, particularly blaming women.

Compared to other crimes, the magnitude and impact of cybercrime are dire. One of the reasons is that the incidents of cybercrime spread across the globe in an instant. People can see it before it is verified as true or false; the victim’s fame and pureness will be at stake, and this will not be easy to recover. Secondly, identifying a cyber-criminal is not painless. Cybercriminals are usually cyber-savvy and may be able to remain anonymous. Thirdly, the perpetrator needs not to be present at the crime scene to commit a cybercrime. A criminal can hack anyone’s Facebook account sitting abroad. That is why cybercrime is a transnational crime that has no borderline. Fourthly, the evidence used in cybercrime is difficult to collect, and presenting it in court with an opinion after an expert examination is even more difficult. Fifthly, the Digital Security Act-2018is a special act, and the terms used in the act are highly technical and not easy to understand for ordinary people. Currently, about four thousand cyber cases are pending in different tribunals nationwide. The actual incidence of cybercrimes is more than the recorded case. Due to public shame of victims, fear, and the complexity of the prosecution process, fewer cases come to the tribunal for trial than the actual number of crimes.

According to BTRC data, 12.5 crore internet users currently exist in Bangladesh. No debate that Facebook is the most popular social media in the country. According to data from Napoleoncat, now 5.90 crore people are using Facebook, of which 32% are women and 68% are men. The number of conscious internet users is insignificant among this enormous number. There are set principles and norms for using social media. Some love to ignore those, and some are not well acquainted with them. Some are unknowingly committing cybercrimes and violating laws and rules. A common perception that the victims cannot seek justice if obscene pictures or videos are captured with their consent is wrong. As per law, whoever publishes such photographs or videos with ill motives or intentions- whether the person is a man or a woman-commits a cybercrime. However, none should allow to take and share personal photos or videos. Sharing a secret password with anyone to show loyalty and prove trust is entirely unwise. Besides, the culprits are misusing the technology by editing normal pictures into naked ones and even able to make pornographic videos.

Prevention is better than cure and should be the policy to tackle cybercrime. The loss already incurred cannot be compensated once the offence is committed. The following precautions are vital to prevent crime- 1. Using strong passwords. Simple passwords such as birthdays, cell numbers, and names will not be appropriate; 2. Turning on two-way authentication, one gets an alert notification if unauthorized access is noticed; 3. Not to share a password with anyone, not even with the nearest and the dearest one, as the relationship might deteriorate at anytime. 4. Not to share private photos/videos with anyone being emotional, as the emotion of a weak moment may bring extreme suffering in life. Photos or videos captured are stored in the cloud where a wrongdoer may get access and blackmail if the mobile is stolen, hacked, damaged, or needed repairing; 5. It is not wise to open unsolicited messages, emails, or online links, as these might be trapping; 6. One should use updated internet security on the laptop, computer, or mobile for better protection; and 7. It is essential to check and monitor the friends’ list on social media, choose friends carefully, and be vigilant to protect & respect one’s privacy.

However, once the crime is committed, the first task is to collect and preserve screenshots, links, and pictures of the crime as evidence; report the criminal incident to the cyber unit of the police department. Helpline service is also very active. One can file a GD or FIR at the police station if necessary. Another door that is open for litigation is in the cyber tribunal. The required forensic evidence may not be found when the criminal deletes, edits, or makes only-me his post. Facebook and Google respect users’ privacy and do not give complete information to the police. It is crucial to recover and seize the device used in the crime to prove the case. The faster the perpetrator is identified and apprehended, the greater the chances of getting proper justice.

Along with technological development, cybercrime will also continue to grow. So, let’s be aware &vigilant and prevent cybercrime. May the cyber world be safe and healthy for all.

Writer is a Participant, Australian Awards Short Course on Building Cyber Resilience, Queensland University of Technology, Australia