Rising Cybercrime Against Women: A Disturbing Trend.

Rising Cybercrime Against Women: A Disturbing Trend

Asif Iqbal | September 26, 2023 | 01:32 PM IST | Articles/Editorials | Follow on Google News

Rising Cybercrime Against Women: A Disturbing Trend.

The digital age has ushered in a world of convenience and connectivity, but it has also brought with it a troubling rise in cybercrimes against women. Since 2019, crimes targeting women have steadily increased, painting a grim picture of online safety for the female population. Recent research highlights that women are more likely to utilize the Internet to nurture their relationships compared to men. However, this very connectivity has exposed them to a myriad of online threats, particularly young women aged 18-24, who endure alarmingly high levels of harassment. Shockingly, 26 percent of these young women have fallen victim to online stalking, and 25 percent have experienced online sexual harassment.

A Vulnerable Demographic During the Pandemic

The widespread availability of the Internet and the rapid dissemination of information through mobile devices have created new avenues for cybercriminals to exploit. Women and children emerged as the most vulnerable segments of society during the pandemic, making them easy targets for cyber predators. Conversely, men and adults were ensnared in various cybercrime scams. This grim reality unfolded during and post-pandemic times, affecting housewives and avid social media users disproportionately.

J&k Government Removes Councillor for Abuse of Power.

A Web of Deception and Exploitation

A disheartening trend in cybercrimes against women is the proliferation of fake profiles that misuse images of women and girls, exacerbating abuse and misogyny. Regrettably, many such cases go unreported. To combat this menace, raising awareness is crucial, empowering victims to lodge complaints that can be swiftly acted upon by cybercrime units.

Wide Array of Women-Centric Cybercrimes

Incidents of women-centric cybercrimes, including the dissemination of sexually explicit material, blackmail, and the creation of fake profiles, have been on the rise. Additionally, cases involving miscarriage, infanticide, foeticide, and human trafficking have been reported. The Jammu and Kashmir Police Cyber Crime-Crime Branch reports that the majority of cyberstalkers are men, and their primary victims are women and girls. This alarming trend coincides with the increased use of social media platforms and online spaces by women for academic, professional, and entertainment purposes.

Empowering Women Through Cyber Safety

In the midst of celebrating International Women’s Day and Girl Child Day, it is imperative that we prioritize cyber safety. Here are some fundamental tips to enhance online security:

Protect Your Passwords: Avoid sharing passwords.

Exercise Caution on Social Media: Be wary of new profiles with limited information.

Secure Your Webcam: Disconnect it when not in use.Limit Information Sharing: Only divulge necessary information.

Beware of Unexpected Video Calls: Do not accept them unless you know the

caller.Online Meetings: If you must meet online acquaintances, do so with caution.

Mind Your Online Presence: Be cautious about sharing personal details and whereabouts.

Disable Geotagging: Turn it on only when necessary.

Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your device’s operating systems.

Know Privacy Policies: Familiarize yourself with the terms of service and privacy policies of the services you use.

Government Initiatives and the Way Forward

NGOs, social activists, and human rights advocates must play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the government’s efforts to combat cybercrimes against women and children. The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken significant steps in this regard, forming an Expert Group to study gaps and challenges and create a comprehensive roadmap for tackling cybercrime. This has resulted in the formulation of the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCWC) scheme. Collaboration between organizations and government bodies is crucial to ensure the safety and security of women and children in the digital age. By following these recommendations and working collectively, we can make significant strides in reducing cybercrimes against women.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.