Cyber Crimes and Security Challenges in Pakistan

Abstract

The main objective of present research is to identify all chellenges faced by citizens and law enforcement agencies to cobat cyber security issues and proposed implementable solution. The duality of technology's modernization has both pluses and minuses, including the ramifications caused by modern-day cybercrime. With the implementation of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in 2016, Pakistan began to experience an increase in its recognition of cybercrime. The massive growth of internet users creates an ever-expanding risk of being susceptible to cyber threat attacks - whether they be from within or outside of the country. Cybercrime threats in Pakistan consist of identity theft, hacking, online abuse, online fraud, and technology-related financial crimes. To eliminate and limits the impact of cybercrime on Pakistani citizens, law enforcement and the government must assess the environment for cyber threats; identifying these threats in order to take corrective actions but also bolstering their capabilities for responding, strengthening the country's [infrastructure] to deal with incidents that occur, and increasing the general population's awareness of cyber risks and the need to take precautionary measures. Increasing public awareness through education about cybercrime is paramount to limit the proliferation of cybercrime as well as clarifying legislation and policies that protect against cybercrime, improving the capabilities of those involved with protecting against cybercrime, and increasing the effectiveness of existing legislation and policies, and identifying solutions or tools (e.g., legislation/policies) to assist police/complement/integrate with current resources available for use in combating cybercrime. Research opportunities identified were to analyze the effects of cybercrime on Pakistan's national security, evaluate current legislation and policies and how effective they are, and develop guidelines for identifying and limiting cybercrime. In addition to developing the guidelines for identifying and eliminating cybercrime, exploring how the use of Artificial Intelligence could[ be useful for combating cybercrime in Pakistan and] assist Pakistan in developing a national comprehensive strategy to secure and protect its citizens; while utilizing AI-implemented computer software for automatic detection and collection of evidence.