SOCIAL ENGINEERING:

a) One method info is attained to hack into computers and email accounts is social engineering. This is considered a revolutionary art among computer hackers

b) Social engineering tricks someone into believing that he is giving information to someone who has the authority to ask for it

c) People can also fall prey to social engineering through online or real-life interaction. Online, the hacker can obtain information through chatting, email exchanges, message boards and so on. In real life, a conversation can be struck up with a potential victim.

d) An ingenious method involves creating a webpage where users are required to enter their email address and password to supposedly find out if someone has deleted or blocked them from accessing messenger services.

e) Another common way is through the telephone. A user may receive a call from someone identifying himself as a systems administrator of his company

TROJAN ATTACK:TRADITIONAL HACK

a) Specially devised programmes, called keyloggers, are surreptitiously installed in the victim's computer

b) These programmes can come through backdoor trojans and viruses. A download video clip, an innocuous b'day greeting or an email could carry them

c) Once inside, the keylogger will auto execute and record keystrokes made by the user and transfer email addresses and passwords to the hacker

THE LAW IN INDIA

Social Engineering: People who gain access to an email using social engineering can be booked under Section 463 of IPC. Punishment is 2-year jail and/or fine

General Hacking: Unauthorised access to a computer system is punishable under Section 70 of IT Act. Punishment is up to 10 years' jail and/or a fine