Safe Internet services crucial to prevent cybercrimes, frauds

The Chamba district administration in collaboration with National Informatics Centre organised an awareness programme on cyber security to mark the Safer Internet Day on Tuesday.

Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Amit Mehra presided over the event. Safer Internet Day also aims to raise awareness about emerging online issues and current concerns. This year, the Safer Internet Day is being celebrated under the theme of “Together for a better Internet”.

In his address, Mehra emphasised that the current era was heavily dependent on the Internet, making it essential for many daily tasks. He highlighted the increasing cybercrimes and fraud cases, stressing the importance of using secure internet services to stay protected. He further explained that Safer Internet Day is observed annually on the second Tuesday of February to raise awareness about safe internet usage and cyber fraud prevention.

He urged people to use the internet responsibly and ethically in the digital age, particularly with the widespread use of social media. Mehra also shed light on cyber hygiene, phishing, hacking, vishing, smishing and malware protection, emphasising the need to safeguard personal devices and accounts against cyber threats. He stated that cyber hygiene practices help the general public, officials, and employees maintain the security of their computers, devices, and personal data.

Assistant Commissioner PP Singh provided crucial insights on online banking safety, recommending the use of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, robust screen locks and biometric security. He also advised downloading mobile applications from trusted sources, using secure internet connections, avoiding suspicious emails and links and regularly updating software and apps.

In India, the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is implementing the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Project Phase-III with a targeted approach for the development of human resources for safe, trusted and secure cyber space.

The project includes a component of creating mass awareness on cyber hygiene and cyber security (Cyber Aware Digital Naagrik) targeting school children and teachers, college students and faculty, women, specially-abled, senior citizens, government employees, MSMEs, other non-IT users, through various awareness activities in direct/indirect mode. C-DAC Hyderabad is designated as a nodal agency for creating mass awareness.