Cyber Safety By Shuvam Panda

Bhubaneswar (Article By Shuvam Panda, Founder of The Unique Culture & Managing Director of Techctice Private Limited): In today’s world, internet has become a part of almost everything we do.

From paying bills and shopping online to connecting with family and friends, our digital presence has grown stronger than ever.

However, just as the real world has criminals, the online world has its own kind — cybercriminals.

They work behind screens, often thousands of miles away, trying to steal information, money, and even identities.

This growing threat is called cybercrime, and understanding it is the first step to staying safe. What Is Cybercrime?..... Crimes committed via computers, smartphones, or the internet are referred to as cybercrimes.

It entails abusing technology to steal, cheat, or hurt other people.

Cybercriminals employ digital techniques to gain access to bank accounts, steal personal information, or distribute malicious software, in contrast to traditional crime, where a thief might physically take our wallet. Many people think cybercrime only targets young or tech-savvy individuals, but that’s far from the truth.

In fact, people between 45 and 60 are often prime targets because they regularly use online banking, social media, and email — but may not always be aware of the latest digital risks. Trust is the only thing that cybercriminals rely on.

They make phony websites, send emails or messages that appear authentic, or pose as someone you know.

They can steal private data, such as bank account information or passwords, once they have gained our trust. People should be aware of the various kinds of cybercrimes.

Phishing is the most prevalent type, in which criminals send phony emails or messages that appear to be from reliable sources, like banks or government agencies.

Personal information such as passwords, account numbers, or OTPs is typically requested in these messages.

Identity theft is a different kind in which our personal information, such as bank account information, Aadhaar number, or PAN, is stolen and used to obtain loans or conduct fraudulent transactions under our name.

The number of online shopping scams is also rising, with fraudulent websites deceiving consumers into paying for goods that never arrive by offering alluring discounts.

Then there is hacking, in which criminals infiltrate computers, smartphones, or wireless networks in order to steal information or install malicious software or malware.

Ransomware attacks are another form of hacking in which cybercriminals lock our system and demand money to unlock it.

Social media scams are also common — fake profiles and messages may try to befriend you and later ask for money or personal details.

Apart from these, cyberbullying and online harassment are crimes where people send threatening or abusive messages to others, often causing emotional distress. Preventing cybercrime requires awareness and a few careful habits.

The first rule is to be cautious online.

Never click on unknown links or attachments in emails or messages, even if they look official.

Banks and government offices never ask for your personal details or OTP through text or email.

Always use strong passwords that include letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.

It is also important to update our devices regularly, as updates fix security issues that hackers can exploit.

When using the internet for financial transactions, make sure the website address starts with “https://” and has a small padlock icon.

Avoid making payments or entering passwords while using public Wi-Fi because it is not secure.

Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of safety since it requires a verification code sent to our phone.

Installing a reliable antivirus program can help protect computers or phones from malware.

We should also check our bank and credit card statements regularly to spot any unusual activity.

If something suspicious happens, we must contact the bank immediately and report it on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) or by calling 1930.

Most importantly, we must stay informed about new scams and share this information with family and friends so they do not become victims. Anyone can become a victim of cybercrime, but we can lower the risks by being vigilant and aware.

We can stay safe online by taking small steps like using secure websites, updating our software, and being cautious before disclosing personal information.

The best defense in the digital age is awareness. In summary, cybercrime is becoming a more serious threat in the modern digital world, but we can prevent it by exercising caution and vigilance.

The majority of online threats can be avoided by using strong passwords, staying away from phony links, and maintaining device updates.

Everyone can use the internet more safely if they exercise a little awareness and caution.