Abstract

The world is facing a great malady called cybercrime since the last two decades. Use of the malevolent programs in computers and over internet by malicious people to attack data or sell contraband and someone else’s identity is known as cybercrime. This type of crime is committed with the use of computers and internet. A cybercrime criminal is capable of hacking and planting viruses to destroy website and other portals across the world. Fraudulent transactions and online banking frauds are carried out by them by gaining access to highly confidential information as well as cyber pornography and various other crimes are committed. In simple words, no one is secure in the cyber world. Like the conventional concept of crime, cybercrime is also an act or omission which results in breach of law and backed by sanction of the state. Two essential ingredients of cybercrimes are actus reus and mens rea. The main reason behind the growing menace of cybercrime is our heavy dependence on computers and internet. Cyber spaces have advantages as well as disadvantages. Conventional crime can be prevented to an extent by patrolling of policemen, but in the cyber space, information is open to Trojan Horses and other viruses as well as to cyber stalking and cyber terrorism. This type of crime poses a bigger challenge to the polic, prosecutors and legislators.

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