Open House: What needs to be done to prevent cybercrime in city?
Be aware of nuances of digital age
In today’s increasingly digital world, cybercrime has become a pervasive threat, affecting individuals, businesses and governments alike. Cybercrime is defined as illegal activities carried out primarily through the internet, and it includes a wide range of offences, from identity theft and phishing scams to sophisticated ransomware attacks and data breaches. In one of many such cases, a failed trader and former banker recently defrauded Vardhman Group MD S P Oswal of Rs 7 crore through a well-planned conspiracy. In a separate case of cyber theft, an online swindler duped Rajneesh Ahuja, a 78-year-old auto parts factory owner in Ludhiana, of more than Rs one crore by impersonating a Delhi airport official. The consequences of cybercrime can be devastating. Individuals who fall victim to cybercrime frequently suffer financial loss, emotional distress, and a violation of personal privacy. Identity theft, for example, can have serious financial consequences, including ruined credit scores and long, arduous processes to reclaim stolen identities. As technology advances, so does the landscape of cybercrime. Individuals, businesses, and governments must remain vigilant, proactive, and educated to combat this ongoing threat. Only by working together can we hope to navigate the complexities of the digital age safely.
Remain alert
We have been spearheading a sustained campaign to sensitise the general public to different types of cybercrimes and the modus operandi of the criminals. Besides, we are also acting fast on complaints. The record recovery of over Rs 5-crore in the country’s biggest cyber frauds was also achieved recently. I appeal to the public to remain alert and vigilant. — Kuldeep Singh Chahal, Commissioner of police
Novin Christopher need for enhanced security protocols
Preventing cybercrimes in Ludhiana like the one involving SP Oswal requires a multi- faceted approach including proper regulation of enhanced cyber security protocols through firewalls and regular security audits. Secondly, there is need to educate employees also by initiating regular training programmes. Thirdly, if any incident occurs there should be instant response by the victims through informing the police or cyber cell. Fourth, fraud detection technologies by installing AI and machine learning to prevent unusual patterns and transactions. Further, by strengthening companies with law information is must from which they become aware about tracking and prosecution of cybercrimes. Lastly, keeping regular software updates can help them to create less risk of cybercrimes. By combining these strategies organisations can create a more secure environment and mitigate risk of cyber fraud.
Parmeet Kaur
Never share personal info with strangers
Any criminal activity that takes over the internet that may create problems with mobile phones, PC, files or any other document saved or installed in your computer or cell phone or steal your identity and start stalking through malware viruses, etc, is known as cybercrime. Hackers are minting money by blocking or stealing data from your computer as we heard the news a couple of days ago that someone has syphoned off seven crore rupees from the accounts of SP Oswal. Cybercrime is a big threat being faced by each nation. There is a dire need to put a curb on ever increasing cybercrime. One may take precautions while working on the internet. Some of the important steps are: Never open suspicions documents. Don’t give out personal information to people you don’t know. Make people aware of how to identify cybercrime. Use a firewall to protect your computer. Purchase and install in your computer anti virus software such as McAfee,Norton or any other genuine anti virus software. Never share or give information about your credit or debit card to someone you don’t know. Use strong passwords on your accounts by using both letters and numerals so it becomes too difficult to guess. Keep watch over children while they are using the internet. Install parental software to limit where they can surf and educate them to make best use of the internet. Avoid sending any photograph online because there may be chances to miss use it. Always keep back up your data to prevent it from virus attacks. Make sure that your computer is configured securely. Review bank and credit card statements regularly. Don’t respond to email messages that may ask for personal information to share. Avoid using free services such as download softwares.
Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui
Follow directives in letter, spirit
A big cybercrime incident has happened and it is hoped that such crimes should not occur in future. To control these, the persons handling money using mobiles or online need to be extra careful in at their level, though this practice of handling money is rather easy and more convenient. People having money in the banks must not divulge these details — their numbers given by the banks or OTPs and other related details to any stranger. Advisories have been appearing time and again in the newspapers on this issue and people must follow them in letter and spirit. The common man having poor knowledge about the use of mobile phone and for handling money online must not use this tool. Further, knowledgeable persons must also use various other tools against cybercrimes being made available in the market. Unfortunately, some people are using this tool for minting easy money. These crimes must be reported to the local police or other recommended bodies in the city or state. These steps will keep a check on the number of such crimes and save people’s hard earned money.
Gautam Dev
Do not download unauthorised apps
Cybercrime is increasing by the day. Various nexuses are in operation to syphon off people’s hard-earned money. We may get rid of cybercrime by keeping in mind some of the precautions. Government must form a control unit where each spam call is recorded and immediate steps may be taken by the cyber security. On the other hand, no one should reveal the OTP under any circumstances with the unknown person. People should not share their bank or credit card details while giving an online order. Each one must have password on his or her phone number. No one should save bank account details in WhatsApp. The secure and protected way is e- mail. Never share the PIN even with your friend and keep on changing it fortnightly or monthly. Everyone must have Truecaller installed in their cell phone. Nobody should download unwanted or unauthorised or inauthentic apps. If anyone has hacked your account then report it immediately to the nearest police post to block the credit, debit and bank account. Police must take necessary steps to control cybercrime. Agencies which are issuing sim card must take care. These agencies should not issue sim cards without Aadhaar or PSN card. Police must crack down on the nexus of cyber criminals.
Farzana Khan
