Maharashtra Board Class 11 Information Technology Theory Chapter 4 Cyber Law PDF Download

Cyber Law

4.1 Introduction

Today we use computers for storing confidential data from various sectors such as banking, finance, health, personal property etc. We also use internet for transactions of information related to these sectors. But in many situations, the confidential data may be illegally used, and corrupted by unauthorised users. The increase in Internet traffic has led to a higher proportion of legal issues worldwide. So it is very necessary to protect such data from Cyber criminals. Cyber cases related to interference and investigation are increasing at an alarming rate. To control such crimes, it is necessary to follow ethics in field of computer. Cyberlaw is being amended quite regularly.

Introduction To Cyberlaw :

Cyberlaw is the area of law that deals with the Internet's relationship to technological and electronic elements, including computers, software, hardware and information systems (IS).

Cyberlaw is the part of the overall legal system that deals with the Internet, cyberspace, and their respective legal issues. Cyber law covers a fairly broad area, encompassing several subtopics including freedom of expression, access to and usage of the Internet, and online privacy.

Advantages of Cyber Law :

The IT Act 2000 attempts to change outdated laws and provides ways to deal with cybercrimes. We need such laws so that.

People can perform transactions over the Internet through credit cards without fear of misuse.

The IT Act offers the much-needed legal framework so that information is not denied legal effect, validity or enforceability, solely on the ground that it is in the form of electronic records.

In view of the growth in transactions and communications carried out through electronic records, the Act seeks to empower government departments to accept filing, creating and retention of official documents in the digital format.

The IT Act has also proposed a legal framework for the authentication and origin of electronic records/communications through digital signature.

Teacher's Note

Cyber law helps to protect people when they use computers and internet. For example, if someone steals your bank details online in India, the IT Act 2000 can help punish that person.

Exam Trick

Remember: Cyber = Internet. Cyberlaw = Internet law. Just like traffic rules control cars on roads, cyber laws control crimes on the internet.

Points to Remember

Cyberlaw deals with legal issues on the internet and computers.

The IT Act 2000 protects people doing online transactions.

Cyber crimes are increasing fast, so we need cyber laws.

Electronic records are now legal and valid in India.

Digital signatures help to prove who you are online.

4.2 Ethics and Morals

Ethics : Also called moral philosophy is the discipline concerned with what is morally good and bad, right or wrong.

Morals : The standards of behaviour; principles of right and wrong behaviour. Thus morals are dictated by society, culture or religion while ethics are chosen by the person himself which governs his life. This chapter introduces the do's and dont's of cyber world.

Teacher's Note

Ethics are personal choices you make. Morals are taught by society. For example, helping someone online is ethical and moral both.

Exam Trick

Remember: Ethics = Your choice. Morals = Society's rules. Ethics is about what YOU think is right. Morals are about what OTHERS say is right.

Points to Remember

Ethics are values chosen by each person.

Morals are rules taught by society and family.

Both ethics and morals guide our behaviour online.

We must think ethically before doing anything on the internet.

4.3 Cyber Crime

Computer Crime is alternatively referred to as cybercrime, e-crime, (electronic crime) or hi-tech crime. Computer crime is an act performed by a knowledgeable computer user, sometimes referred to as a hacker who illegally browses or steals a company's or individual's private information. In some cases, this person or group of individuals may be malicious and destroy or otherwise corrupt the computer or data files.

Cyber crimes can involve criminal activities that are traditional in nature, such as theft, fraud, forgery, defamation and mischief, all of which are subject to the Indian Penal Code.

Some Examples of cyber crime :

Below is a list of the different types of computer crimes -

Software Piracy : Software piracy is nothing but copyright violation of software created originally by an individual or an institution. It includes stealing of codes/ programs and other information illegally and creating the imitated copy by unauthorized means and utilizing this data either for own benefit or for profit making.

Example : When you download a copy of a licensed software. For example downloading games from a file sharing website without paying for it, it is a software piracy.

Unauthorized access : Gaining access without the users' permission is known as unauthorized access. Authorization means granting access rights to resources, which is related to information security computer security and to access control in particular sector. This is typically possible when the particular software/service is purchased through legal and formal procedure. Attempting to get information (like emails, bank account, intellectual or any other personal and confidential information) from unauthorized person is known as accessing the machine illegally. Examples of unauthorized access are :

Hacking financial / bank account related information.

Stealing organizational / intellectual information.

Illegal monitoring of information owned by other users.

Illegal use/break of login and password of other users.

Causing intentional irritation to other users by means of damaging software and important information.

Teacher's Note

Cybercrime is a bad activity done on computers or the internet. For example, stealing someone's password to use their bank account is cybercrime.

Exam Trick

Remember the main cybercrimes: Hacking = stealing passwords. Phishing = fake emails. Piracy = copying software without permission. Write these three in exams.

Points to Remember

Cybercrime means illegal activities done on computers or internet.

Hackers use computers to steal people's private information.

Software piracy means copying software without paying for it.

Unauthorized access means entering someone's account without permission.

Phishing means getting passwords through fake emails.

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