Global technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate. Instances of cybercrime have significantly increased with the digitalization in the country. Incidents of losing money to hackers frequently make headlines. In a world where you are constantly put in vulnerable situations, you must arm yourself with basic knowledge about cybercrime, and the proper course of action you must follow, should you fall victim to cybercrime. 

File a complaint

If your account is hacked, you must immediately visit the nearest police station to file a First Information Report (FIR). For a quicker solution, you can submit a complaint online. 

To file an online complaint, follow these steps:
1 Visit the cybercrime.gov.in website.
2. Three options will appear: Cybercrime against women and children, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes. Select the option based on the nature of crime. 
3. Click on ‘Register a complaint’ and then ‘File a complaint,’ followed by ‘I accept.’
4. If you are a new user, complete the registration process first by providing details like state, email, and mobile number. Verify the details with captcha and OTP verification.
5. Proceed to file a report. 

Prevent cybercrime

Here are some tips to prevent cybercrime or hacking:
•    Strong passwords- Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Create complex passwords and do not share them with anyone. 
•    Updated software- Regularly update your operating system and Internet security software to ensure protection against hackers. 
•    Private social media accounts- Maintain privacy settings on your social media accounts. Follow those accounts that you are familiar with and block those accounts that seem suspicious.

By following these precautions and staying updated with the latest news on cybercrime, you can minimize your chances of falling prey to hackers.