Open House: What measures can be taken to enhance cyber awareness and prevent crime in the digital space?

Educate the masses

to reduce risk

The rate of cybercrimes has gone up manifold and poses a big problem for the public as well as authorities. The risk, however, can be minimised by educating masses with extensive advertisements through media and mobile companies. Presently, the customers are being for-warned for promotional and spam calls the government should take these companies in confidence to fore-warn fraudsters' calls also.

Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Chandigarh

Collective efforts needed

Cybercrime pose a big challenge for both the police and the civil society. To tackle them, we need collective efforts. It all begins with quick reporting of the crime. Such complaints must be investigated with seriousness by a team of cyber experts. Telecom companies can also be directed to filter suspicious calls and caller identification apps should be encouraged.

Vijay Shukla, Chandigarh

Quick action required to make recovery

There is an urgent need to improve the resolution and recovery rate in cybercrime cases as it will act as deterrent. If the crime is reported timely, quick action is required. The government should develop tech to help with the same. They also need to ramp up awareness. The process of registration should be through a single window, which is connected with all the banks so money can be blocked in the recipient account immediately.

Avinash Goyal, Chandigarh

RWAs can play active role in checking crime

Cybercrimes are increasing with each passing day. To prevent them, resident welfare organizations (RWA) must show active participation and organise public awareness events. We must avoid opening links from spam emails or entertain calls from unidentified numbers. The passwords must be strong enough and one should use multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

SS Arora, Mohali

Teach them young

Event the most educated people are falling prey to cybercrime despite ample media coverage. That highlights the need to educating them young. Students in colleges and schools need to taught cyber awareness so they can further caution their parents and grandparents Nukkad Nataks, an educative short film to be made and shown before start of any film show in all theaters

Col KJ Singh (retd), Chandigarh

Evolve with the evolving trends

Digital arrests are the latest form of cyber fraud to have made its way to the digital space. There is a dire need to spread awareness about digital safety and keep evolving the defence mechanism with the forms of crime. Residents too should share their experiences through social media platforms and other forms to increase information, which will give others power to combat similar situations.

Shruti K Chawla, Chandigarh

Identify the threat

"We're in a digital arms race, and the battlefield is everywhere", the much in vogue topic threatening the privacy, life, self respect and bank account of a person is cybercrime, from fake calls to phishing messages, the authenticity is never questioned. To curb such incidents, we must update software regularly, encrypt sensitive data, be sceptical and suspicious of unknown emails and links, awareness workshops should be encouraged.

Deepak Taak, Panchkula

Make senior citizens cyber aware

Cybercrime has significantly increased in recent years, and despite various awareness campaigns, fraudsters continue to deceive people. The Administration should take necessary steps immediately. There should be need to aware people to prevent such cybercrimes by door to door campaign. Special initiative should be started particularly for senior citizens about cyber awareness.

Adish Sood, Amloh

Stricter punishments can act as deterrent

Cyber criminals are coming up with new methods to dupe people, especially senior citizens, of their hard earned money every day. The lack of effective police probe, technological safety checks and punishments has lead to the mushrooming of the cyber crime business. Stricter punishments to the fraudsters and fool proof systems of money transactions may help in restricting cybercrimes.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd.), Mohali

Keep abreast of

cyber threats

It is quite important to provide regular update and refresher courses to keep everyone informed about the latest threats and best practices. Disseminating cybersecurity information through various channels as emails, internet posters and social media can ensure that the message reaches a wider audience. Partnering with local communities and schools can help build a culture of security from a young age.

Anita K Tandon, Kharar

Teach responsible

use of internet

To raise awareness about cyber crimes teach children about the responsible use of the internet, online courses can also help to avoid risks. The government can launch campaigns and programs to raise awareness By using strong password, avoiding same password for multiple websites, updated antivirus, backup data, not sharing your personal information and use of 2FA on your online accounts will make it more difficult for hackers to gain access.

Bhupinder Singh Hira, Chandigarh

broad Database

can come in handy

With the rapid rise in cyber crimes, it's crucial for the nation to implement a comprehensive, proactive approach. Cybercrime awareness should be integrated as a mandatory subject in schools and colleges, educating young minds on digital safety. A dedicated national helpline for reporting cyber crimes must be widely promoted on all platforms. Hoax calls, suspicious WhatsApp numbers, and false information shared on social media should be promptly investigated.

Vijay Katyal, Panchkula

Use modern tech

to your advantage

Since the fraudsters have effectively been using the modern technology to their advantage, the law enforcing agencies may consider the same. Make use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to keep a constant tab on cyber criminals' spurious activities. Safety alone can save us all and a tech upgrade is the need of the hour.

Kumar Gupta, Panchkula

Determination is the key to success

"Determination is the key to success", that should be the motto of those locking to end the menace of cybercrime. More awareness campaigns should be arranged. The administration should frame strong and strict laws against and they should be brought o justice. The mechanism to tackle cybercrime is in place. All we need is to see things to their logical conclusion.

Sumesh Kumar Badhwar, Mohali

Proactive approach need of the hour

People should be proactive to catch ill intentions of fraudsters/fake calls beforehand. They should read newspapers, listen to the radio to increase their awareness. Newspapers provide brief information about the same, so can radio and television channels to help the masses. The people too should be cautious enough to think twice before trusting such spurious calls.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

Bridge gap between authorities, public

With the advancement of technology in IT sectors, frauds are taking daily in new shapes in cyber crimes. Even learned people are falling prey to scams. The authorities are serious on the issue and send out regular warnings through various mediums but there's a need to bridge the gap between them and the people. It can be done by setting up channels mediums like social media.

Gobind Ahuja, Mohali

Simplify complaint procedure

The administration and private sectors should collaborate to promote secure digital practices, while social media platforms can help disseminate real-time alerts. Strengthened cybersecurity laws, simplified reporting mechanisms, and regular public workshops can further empower the public.

Harinder Singh Bhalla, Chandigarh

Protect the elderly

Police should organise awareness camps for senior citizens in the area falling under each police station. Mostly senior citizens become victims of cyber crime, so they must be made aware about the various methods adopted by fraudsters, avoid picking unknown numbers and if possible not to keep much money in saving accounts. Cybercrime helpline number be publicised through print and electronic media. People should also avoid picking unknown numbers and be alert all the time.

HS Dhanoa, Chandigarh

Get creative with awareness campaigns

Creative awareness campaigns motivating the vulnerable groups to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication should be the way to go. Short video clips, street plays and even short productions being screen before movies at cinema halls can go a long way.

Brigadier Advitya Madan, Chandigarh

cyber security as part of school education

Organise public awareness campaigns, workshops and seminars to educate people about the types of cyber frauds, their consequences. Integrate cyber safety and security into school and college curricula. This can help educate young people about online safety, cyberbullying, and cyber frauds. Only by raising awareness about cyber frauds can we empower people to protect themselves.

Capt Amar Jeet, Kharar

Interactive workshops key

To boost cyber awareness, consider interactive workshops that simulate real-life cyber threats, engaging participants. Leverage social media influencers to disseminate cybersecurity tips in relatable, everyday contexts. Announce "Cyber Awareness Days" at workplaces and schools with live demonstrations to make information more accessible.

Sumesh Kumar Badhwar, Mohali

Sustained efforts key

There is a need to focus on digital literacy for all age groups specially the elderly. A sustained campaign is needed where people are made aware of the changing tricks of these cyber criminals. Banks can also take a lead in educating their customers. Protocols for KYC update, OTPs, links etc should be clarified to all to avoidfrauds.

Gurnoor Grewal, Chandigarh

Question for next week

The building collapse in Mohali is not an isolated incident. Similar collapses, often caused by illegal digging, have been reported often over the past few years. What measures should the administration take to prevent such incidents?

Suggestions in not more than 70 words can be sent to openhouse@tribunemail.com