Concept Note: Cyber Crimes in Nepal: Understanding the Background, Current Situation, and Possible Solutions

(Smithu Ghising)

In the past decade, Nepal has witnessed a rapid increase in internet and mobile phone users.

As of July 2021, 90.56% of the population has access to the Internet according to Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). The country has been making steady progress in terms of internet connectivity, with more than 18 million mobile phone users and over 8 million internet users. The growth of technology has brought many benefits to Nepal, including increased connectivity and access to information. However, it has also given rise to new forms of criminal activities such as cybercrime.With the growth of technology, the country has also been experiencing an increase in cybercrime incidents. Cybercrime refers to any criminal activity that involves the use of a computer, network, or the internet.

  • Current Situation

Cybercrime has become a serious concern in Nepal, and it is on the rise. According to the Nepal Police, cybercrime cases have increased by 60% in the past two years. The most common types of cybercrime in Nepal include hacking, phishing, identity theft, cyberbullying, and financial fraud. Cybercriminals use various techniques and tools such as malware, ransomware, and social engineering to carry out their illegal activities. The majority of cybercrime victims in Nepal are individuals who have fallen prey to scams or fraudulent activities.

  • Relevant Incidents

There have been several incidents of cybercrime in Nepal in recent years. In 2020, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) reported a significant increase in cyber attacks on government websites. Hackers had accessed the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Population, and the Nepal Rastra Bank. In 2018, a group of hackers hacked into the system of the National Examination Board and leaked the question papers of the Secondary Education Examination. There have also been cases of financial fraud, where individuals have lost money through fraudulent online transactions.

  • State’s Dedicated Body for Resolving the Existing Problem

The Nepal Police Cyber Bureau is the dedicated body responsible for investigating and resolving cybercrime incidents in Nepal. It was established in 2012 and has been working to address the growing problem of cybercrime in the country. The Cyber Bureau has a team of experts who investigate cybercrime incidents and work with other law enforcement agencies to bring the culprits to justice. The Cyber Bureau also works to raise public awareness about cybercrime and provides training to law enforcement agencies to improve their capabilities to tackle cybercrime.

While the government of Nepal has established a dedicated body, the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau, to deal with cyber crimes, there may be instances where individuals may not be able to rely on them for assistance. In such cases, there are some steps that individuals can take to protect themselves from cybercrime.

  • Reporting the cybercrime to appropriate authorities

One step is to report the cybercrime to the appropriate authorities. If the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau cannot assist, individuals can report the crime to other government agencies, such as the National Information Technology Center or the Department of Information Technology. It is important to provide as much information as possible about the incident to assist with the investigation.

  • Seek Assistance from Cyber Security Firms

The second step is to seek assistance from private cybersecurity firms. These firms provide services such as threat intelligence, incident response, and cyber investigation. They can also provide training on safe internet practices and help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity infrastructure.

  • Public Awareness and Possible Steps to Mitigate the Problem

Public awareness is a crucial aspect of tackling cybercrime in Nepal. Many people in Nepal are not aware of the risks associated with using the internet and are therefore vulnerable to cyber attacks. It is essential to educate people about safe internet practices, such as using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and keeping their personal information private. Furthermore, the government and other stakeholders need to work together to improve cybersecurity infrastructure and develop effective laws and regulations to prevent and prosecute cybercrime.

  • Awareness and Education: One of the most effective ways to fight cybercrime in a community is through awareness and education. This includes educating individuals about safe internet practices, cybersecurity risks, and how to prevent cyber-attacks. Community organizations, schools, and colleges can play a significant role in raising awareness about cybersecurity and organizing training sessions on safe internet practices.

Several organizations in Nepal have also taken initiatives to raise awareness about cybercrime and educate people about safe internet practices. For example, the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau conducts regular awareness programs in schools, colleges, and community centers to educate people about cybercrime and how to protect themselves.

  • Safe Internet Practice

The first step is to educate oneself about safe internet practices. This includes being aware of the risks associated with using the internet and taking steps to protect oneself from cyber attacks. There are several resources available online, such as blogs and videos, that provide information on safe internet practices. Individuals can take steps to protect themselves from cybercrime, such as using strong passwords, regularly updating software and antivirus programs, and being cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments.

  • Intergenerational discourse

In Nepal, there have been several examples where people have come together to help each other avoid falling into cybercrime traps. One such example is the intergenerational discourse that has taken place in many communities.

In many families, the younger generation is more tech-savvy than their elders. This has created an opportunity for younger people to teach their older family members about safe internet practices. Through this intergenerational discourse, older adults have learned about the risks associated with using the internet and how to protect themselves from cyber attacks.

  • Digital Literacy

Another example of people helping each other to avoid falling into cybercrime traps is the role of digital natives in supporting vulnerable groups with their digital literacy. Digital natives are people who have grown up using technology, and they have a natural understanding of how it works. They can use this knowledge to help vulnerable groups, such as older adults, learn about safe internet practices.

  • Reporting Cybercrime: It is essential to report cybercrime incidents to the appropriate authorities. Communities can set up channels for reporting cybercrime incidents and raising awareness about the importance of reporting such incidents. This can help law enforcement agencies to identify patterns in cybercrime activities and take action to prevent future incidents.
  • Strengthening Cybersecurity Infrastructure: Communities can take steps to strengthen their cybersecurity infrastructure. This includes implementing security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems. Communities can also encourage individuals and organizations to use strong passwords and regularly update their software to prevent cyber-attacks.
  • Support for Vulnerable Groups: Communities can also provide support to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children who may be more susceptible to cybercrime. This can be achieved through education and awareness campaigns that are especially targeted at these groups.
  • Collaboration: Collaboration among individuals, organizations, and the government is essential in fighting cybercrime. Communities can set up forums for discussing cybersecurity issues and sharing information about cyber threats. This will help to build a network of cybersecurity professionals who can provide support and guidance in the event of a cyber-attack.

Cybercrime is a growing concern in Nepal, and it requires urgent attention from the government, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders. There is a need to raise public awareness about the risks associated with using the internet and develop effective strategies to prevent and prosecute cybercrime. With the right measures in place, Nepal can harness the benefits of technology while minimizing its negative impacts on society.