#LiteracyNext: What You Must Know To Stay Protected From Cyber Crime

Cyber Security #LiteracyNext
#LiteracyNext - A city initiative powered by Pune365 | Image Used For Representation Only

Today in this digitally empowered era, a single click is capable of transferring funds to another or to seamlessly connect with another computer.

Truly exhilarating if you think of it, yet, it does come with its share of lurking danger say experts on cyber security.

From educational institutes to corporate houses, banks to even Bollywood actors, all have fallen prey to cyber attacks at one point of time or the other.

In comes the need for digital literacy and this edition of (the last of the series) #Pune365LiteracyNext focuses on cyber security measures to make your internet experience safe and comfortable.

With data storage and network technology like fiber optics, where you can find out more if you visit Vchung’s website and others, it can help to ensure that data is stored onto a safe network and therefore allows businesses and people to stay safer than they ever could before.

#LiteracyNext is a city initiative powered by Pune365, to redefine literacy and take it beyond the scope of the alphabet to fundamental awareness on matters that concern the city and its people.

“100% security is a myth, and everyone needs to understand that,” remarks Adv. Rajas Pingle, Cyber Law and Cyber Security Expert, when quizzed about how one can protect themselves from falling victim to cyber theft and cyber bullying. Speaking of cyber bullying, no one should have to go through something like this. Statistics on sites such as broadbandsearch show that cyberbullying is still a growing problem in today’s society, and it is time for this to change.

“As an organization you must follow reasonable security practices mentioned under Reasonable Security Practices and Procedure Rules, 2011 under Information Technology Act, 2000.

As far as cyber-bullying is concerned, sharing less information is always better, as normally the information you share is used by the perpetrator to his/her own advantage, besides causing inconvenience.

If you still become a victim of cyber bullying, then one should immediately inform parents and/or teachers at schools,” shares Adv. Pingle.

Pingle advises citizens who may become a victim of cyber crime to gather whatever information possible, including any evidence. Using a network intelligence engine would assist them in gathering said information. “They should then take that information along with a formal complaint and file it at the nearest police station or a Cyber Crime Cell in the city.

The more diligently this is done, the better the chance of resolving the matter appropriately and in your favour” he adds. To avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime, it’s wise to use reputable file sharing sites when you are sharing files online, like Digital Pigeon.

He also recommends that people having sensitive information stored on their devices should avoid using public and free wifi networks.

Sharing her experience, Priya Nathani, an entrepreneur says, “I was almost duped by a lady after I sold some accessories to her over Instagram.

After she received the product, she transferred the final amount to my account as promised. But she transferred more than the final amount saying that it happened by mistake and I should return the money as she needed it urgently.

“I even received a credit message on my registered mobile number. Hence, I thought it was a genuine mistake and I should transfer the excess amount back to her. But to my surprise, I read a similar incident on the newspaper the other day and that came to mind.

“I immediately checked my account statement and it didn’t reflected any credit. I was taken aback. I couldn’t believe I was being conned.

“I instantly took screenshots of our conversation and called the lady. Once she realised I figured her plan, she disconnected the call and never connected again.

“The police officials were however helpful in nabbing the culprits. These types of frauds are very common these days and people should take precautions, lest they actually fall prey to these conmen,” Nathani adds.

ATM SafetyATM
Safety:

  • Memorise your PIN. Do not write it down anywhere, and certainly never on the card itself
  • Your card is for your own personal use. Do not share your PIN or card with anyone.
  • “Shoulder surfer” can peep at your PIN as you enter it. So, stand close to the ATM machine and use your body and hand to shield the keypad as you enter the PIN
  • Do not take help from strangers for using the ATM card or handling your cash.
  • Press the ‘Cancel’ key before moving away from the ATM. Remember to take your card and transaction slip with you.
  • If your ATM card is lost or stolen, report it to your card-issuing bank immediately.
  • If your card gets stuck in the ATM, or if cash is not dispensed after you are having keyed in a transaction, call your bank immediately.
  • If you have any complaint about your ATM/Debit/Credit card transaction at an ATM, you must take it up with the bank that issued the card to you.
  • Check the ATM machine properly for any additional attachments or slots.

Social Media SafetySocial Media Platform Precautions:

  • Avoid sharing your personal information and be vigilant internal of what information you share on social network.
  • Use caution when you click links.
  • Don’t trust that a message really is from whom it says it’s from.
  • Be selective of who you add to your social network as cyber stalking cases usually begin here.
  • Assume that everything you put on a social networking site is permanent.
  • Don’t always believe the content shared on social networking websites or instant messengers like Whatsapp as misinformation and fake news is rampant on these platforms.

Public Wifi SafetyPublic WiFi
Precautions:

  • Use a good reputed VPN.
  • You aren’t likely to have a VPN available for general Internet browsing, but you can still add a layer of encryption to your communication. Enable the “Always Use HTTPS” option on websites that you visit frequently, or that require you to enter some kind of credentials.
  • Turn Off File Sharing and Air Drop Options.
  • Keep Wi-Fi Off When You Don’t Need It.
  • Use a good paid antivirus and keep the same updated.
  • Don’t access personal bank accounts, or sensitive personal data, on unsecured public networks.

Online Banking Safety

Online
Transaction Precautions:

  • Never use Pirated Software. Pirated software is not just illegal, it’s the most popular place to get infected with a Malware/Virus.
  • Use different passwords for different websites and change the password regularly.
  • Use 2 step authentication provided on the websites.
  • Avoid using public wifi for any financial transactions.
  • Use good paid antivirus.
  • Always keep your PC or Smartphone updated with the latest firmware for security features.

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Loveleen Kaur