---
title: "Short note: Computer crimes"
subject: "Engineering Professional Practice"
chapter: 5
key: "semester_8/engineering_professional_practice:short-note-computer-crimes"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/short-note-computer-crimes
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: Computer crimes

Engineering Professional Practice · Chapter 5: Regulatory Environment

- Asked in: 2072 Magh, 2.5 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/short-note-computer-crimes
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/chapter-5

## Question

Write a short note on Computer crimes.

## Short answer

Computer crime includes hacking, malware, data theft, phishing, fraud and cyber harassment. In Nepal the Electronic Transactions Act 2063 punishes unauthorized access, system damage and illegal publication. Prevention uses strong passwords, updated software, antivirus, backups and staff training.

## Answer

Computer crime (cyber crime) is any illegal act in which a computer, network or digital data is the tool, target or place of the crime.

**Common types**

- Hacking and unauthorised access to a computer or network.
- Spreading viruses, ransomware or malware that damage data.
- Theft or alteration of data and source code; software piracy.
- Identity theft, phishing and online banking or credit card fraud.
- Publishing illegal or defamatory material, cyber bullying and stalking.
- Denial-of-service attacks on websites.

**Legal position in Nepal**

The Electronic Transactions Act 2063 (2008) is the main law. It punishes unauthorised access, damage to computer systems, destruction or alteration of source code, publication of illegal material, breach of confidentiality, and fake digital signatures, with fines and/or imprisonment as per the Act. Related laws include the Copyright Act 2059 for piracy and the Muluki Criminal Code 2074. The Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police investigates the cases.

**Prevention:** strong passwords, updated software, antivirus, backups, firewalls, staff training, licensed software. An engineer must also respect client data confidentiality under the code of conduct.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Computer crime is an illegal act where the computer is
   A. only the target
   B. the tool, target or place of the crime
   C. never involved
   D. only a storage
   Answer: B. A computer, network or data may be tool, target or place. (Key point: Definition)

2. The main law on computer crimes in Nepal is
   A. Electronic Transactions Act 2063
   B. Labour Act 2074
   C. Companies Act 2063
   D. Building Act 2055
   Answer: A. The Electronic Transactions Act 2063 punishes unauthorised access, damage and other cyber offences. (Key point: Nepali law)

3. Who investigates cyber cases?
   A. Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police
   B. Labour Office
   C. Company Registrar
   D. DUDBC
   Answer: A. The Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police investigates. (Key point: Investigating body)