Mumbai/Goa, 5 May 2022
Press Information Bureau Western region today organised a webinar on Cyber Security titled ‘How to stay safe online’. Ramesh Babu, Cyber Security Architect (Manager), Ernst and Young, Nidhin Valsan (IPS), SP(HQ) Goa,Shobhit Saksena (IPS), SP Crime, Goa participated and guided about the safe and secure use of Internet.
Insights from the interaction:
Cyber fraud cases increased a lot in recent times, as majority of population is having access to the Internet, Social Media, Online Shopping, Financial Transactions (Banking), Gaming, Online Schooling etc. Though Internet made our life easier but there is dark side to the Internet.
Nidhin Valsan, IPS highlighted on dark sides of the cyber world. He said that, there are 620 million online users are in India. Because of Covid-19 pandemic and the recent push for Digital India there has been an increase in cashless transactions. Youngsters and children are the most vulnerable section of the society to cyber crime.
He said that, young generation needs immense cyber and financial literacy to remain safe. One needs to abstain from sharing private photos, individual and sensitive information on Social Media. Financial frauds, phishing can be done from the information shared on social media. Not only this Copy Right violation, patents right violation can happen unknowingly and using cyber space for illegal smuggling of banned items, while using the Internet, he cautioned.
Where to report cyber fraud
The first thing victims should need to do is to call 1930 or report on https://cybercrime.gov.in/ about the fraud. Give the details and insist on registration of First Information Report.
Cyber Fraud incidents can be reported to CERT-In via email (incident@cert-in.org.in), Telephone Number 1800-11-4949 and Fax number 1800-11-6969.
Defend Yourself
Ramesh Babu, expert on cyber field in his presentation highlighted ‘The importance of Cyber Security’, ‘Know the Enemy’ and ‘Defend Yourself.’ He informed that, in 2020 cyber attacks cost India Rs. 1.25 lakh crore (16.3 billion US Dollars) and it is estimated that $ 435 Billion more will be lost by 2025. Cyber crime will cost the world US Dollars 10.5 Trillion annually by 2025, he further said. Botnets, ‘Malicious Software’ (Malware), Spyware, crypto ransomware and Trojans are the main weapon used by the cyber fraudsters to breach the data.
Shobhit Saksena, Puperintendentof Police, Crime and North Goa cautioned to safeguard from Ransomeware. Basic precautions like not to open attachments from unverified emails, using network with good firewall, updated operating systems these basic precautions can help a lot.
Don’t install software that asks for some OTP and personal information. Identify spam emails. Do not forward any ‘offer links’. Also needs to avoid remote access to your devices.
Use of websites like https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/upload and https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/url for cross check the authenticity. Also use of antivirus software useful to curb the cyber attacks.
Two main ways malicious drive by downloads get into your devices. Authorized without knowing full implications and fully unauthorized without any notification. Ensure antivirus software.
It is not necessary to share phone number and Email address while purchasing from supermarkets.
Tips for Senior Citizens
- Never share OTPs
- Never share devices with unknown persons
- Don’t connect to any unknown Bluetooth devices and untrustworthy WiFi sources
- Always take advice from experts.
Use of Social Media
- Careful always before sharing the photos and personal information
- Locked profile is a secure thing
- Avoid sharing confidential information on Social Media
- Kids need to use social media under the supervision of parents
- Do not share sensitive information on social media.
D.V. Vinod Kumar, Joint Director, PIB gave introductory remarks. The webinar is conducted by Media and Communication Officer Sriyanka Chaterjee.
The Webinar can be accessed at:
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