This article has been written by Mrs. Aishwarya Gaikwad form MIT-WPU and the author is a 4th year law student.
Hacking refers to unauthorised access or entry into a computer system or network, often with the intent of gaining sensitive information, causing damage or disruption, or using the system for illegal purposes. Hacking can take various forms, including software exploits, phishing attacks, or brute force attacks on passwords
In many jurisdictions, including India, hacking is considered a criminal offence under various laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Indian Penal Code, 1860 Under these laws, hacking is punishable with imprisonment and/or fines, depending on the severity of the offence.
While hacking can be used for ethical purposes, such as identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in computer systems, it is generally regarded as a harmful and illegal activity. As such, it is important to understand and comply with the relevant laws and ethical guidelines when conducting any form of hacking or penetration testing.
The Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 makes it unlawful in India to obtain unauthorised access to a Wi-Fi network or router This law makes any unauthorised access to a computer network a crime that is subject to a maximum three-year jail sentence and/or a fine of Rs. 5 lakh (about $6,800).
Wi-Fi hacking may also be illegal under other laws, like the Indian Penal Code, 1860, which makes offences like theft and vandalism illegal. These rules may also be used to someone who, for instance, accesses private information or engages in fraud while using a compromised Wi-Fi network.
Remember that accessing a Wi-Fi network without the owner’s permission is still deemed unauthorised access and is prohibited by Indian law, even if the network is unprotected or the password is simple to guessFurthermore, it is unlawful and may result in criminal charges to use software or tools to hack into Wi-Fi networks
Hacking is a crime in India according to the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Indian Penal Code. Under different legal regulations, unauthorised access to computer resources, including Wi-Fi networks, is prohibited.
An individual was detained in Mumbai in 2016 for unauthorised access to Wi-Fi networks in his neighbourhood. In addition to Sections 419, 420, and 465 of the Indian Penal Code, he was accused of violating Section 66 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. He received a three-year jail term and a 5,000 rupee fine for his misdeed.
In a another incident, a 17-year-old teenager was detained in 2017 for breaking into a top Delhi police officer’s Wi-Fi network. He was arrested for violating Indian Penal Code Sections 419, 420, and 465 as well as Section 66 of the Information Technology Act of 2000
These incidents demonstrate the seriousness of Wi-Fi hacking in India and the legal repercussions that follow such behaviour.
In conclusion, Wi-Fi hacking is prohibited in India and is subject to legal action and punishment. It’s crucial to respect others’ privacy and get authorisation before using any Wi-Fi network.