Addressing New Cyber Security Trends: The Urgency for New Laws
The use and expansion of information technology is on the rise in Nepal. Internet access has reached most areas of the country, and digital devices are becoming increasingly accessible to the general population. However, along with this expansion, the occurrence of cyber crimes such as fraud, hacking, phishing, and piracy is also increasing. To combat this, the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police was established five years ago to investigate and address cyber crimes.
The Cyber Bureau is responsible for receiving complaints, conducting investigations, and enforcing legal proceedings in cases of cyber crime. They also engage in proactive policing by organizing public awareness programs and coordinating with international organizations when necessary. In addition to investigating cyber crimes, they also handle cyber-enabled crimes.
Most commonly, the Cyber Bureau deals with cases involving fake profiles, which often leads to financial crimes. To prevent cyber crimes, the Cyber Bureau has been conducting public awareness programs throughout the country. They have signed memorandums of understanding with thousands of schools, colleges, and local bodies under the community police partnership program to educate the public about cyber security. They also provide in-house training for police personnel and utilize mass media for public awareness campaigns.
The Cyber Bureau investigates a range of incidents, including machine attacks, hacking, unauthorized access, online fraud, and more. Complaints related to cyber crimes can be filed at the concerned district police office or in person at the Cyber Bureau in Kathmandu. The Bureau works with limited resources and manpower, which poses challenges in effectively addressing cyber crimes. They emphasize the need to incorporate cyber security into the curriculum of schools and colleges to raise awareness from an early age.
The Bureau faces several challenges, such as outdated laws that do not align with current trends in cyber crimes. They advocate for new legislation and a legal framework to address emerging issues. Limited manpower also hampers their efforts, but efforts are being made to address this through agreements with international partners.
The response rate and success in handling serious crime complaints at the Cyber Bureau have been commendable. However, they encounter difficulties when victims are reluctant to come forward, hindering their investigative process. In terms of legal action, the Electricity Transactions Act 2063 provides provisions for various cyber crimes, including source code piracy, unauthorized access, system damage, and disruption of society through online content.
The Cyber Bureau requests additional manpower to effectively handle the increasing number of cases. They have communicated this need to the police headquarters, ministries, and relevant agencies. In conclusion, the public should approach online activities with caution, validating information and avoiding sharing personal details indiscriminately. The same precautions that apply offline should be practiced online, as the medium may differ but the risks remain.
