Cyber Security Awareness

Official Government Cyber Safety & Telecom Protection Links

Free and Paid Antivirus Software

Government of India – Free Cyber Security Tools & Portals

• Cyber Swachhta Kendra (CSK – CERT-In): Free malware and botnet detection & removal tools for citizens. Includes tools like eScan, K7, Quick Heal (Windows), M-Kavach (Android), and USB Pratirodh. Visit CSK
• CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team): India’s national cyber incident response body. Provides official cybersecurity advisories, alerts, technical guidelines, and best practices for citizens and organizations. Visit CERT-In
• National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: Official Government of India portal to report cybercrime complaints such as online fraud, identity theft, cyber stalking, bullying, hacking, and financial fraud. Report Cyber Crime
• Indian Cybercrime Helpline (1930): Toll-free emergency helpline for immediate reporting of cybercrime, especially financial fraud. Call 1930 as soon as fraud is detected.
• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Ministry of Home Affairs initiative for coordinated cybercrime prevention, analytics, investigation support, capacity building, and national cybercrime response ecosystem.
• Sanchar Saathi Portal: Telecom cybersecurity platform to block or track lost or stolen mobile phones, prevent SIM/IMEI misuse, and report suspicious SMS, calls, and links using the Chakshu feature. Visit Sanchar Saathi
• Cyber Awareness & Safety Content (Govt.): Free educational material, safety tips, and awareness videos published by Government portals such as CERT-In and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Cyber Awareness Resources
• National Cybercrime Training Centre (CyTrain): Government platform focused on training, standardization, and capacity building for cybercrime investigation and response. Visit CyTrain

Malware & Virus Checking Tools

• JOTTI Online Malware Scanner

Trusted Antivirus Software

• Quick Heal Antivirus
• Kaspersky Internet Security
• McAfee Antivirus
• Bitdefender

Common Cyber Frauds

• Phishing (fake websites and emails)
• Smishing (fraud via SMS)
• Vishing (fraud phone calls)
• Identity theft
• Ransomware attacks

These videos explain cyber crimes and safety tips in a simple and clear manner, suitable for elderly users.

• Cyber Security Awareness for Senior Citizens
• Phishing, Smishing & Vishing Explained
• UPI & Online Banking Fraud Prevention
• Password Safety & Digital Hygiene

Identity Theft & Misuse

Attackers may misuse your identity by stealing personal information through apps, fake websites, or social media permissions.

• Passwords and login credentials
• Bank and credit card details
• Contacts, photos, videos, and documents

Prevention: Protect passwords, review records regularly, shred sensitive papers, avoid phishing links, and monitor accounts.

Malware & Keyloggers

Malware includes harmful software such as keyloggers that record keystrokes to steal information.

• Types: Software-based and Hardware-based keyloggers
• Detection: Updated antivirus and anti-spyware tools
• Protection: Use virtual keyboards and trusted software

Phishing, Smishing & Vishing

Cyber criminals trick users through fake websites, emails, SMS, and phone calls.

• Check website URLs carefully
• Do not share personal or financial details
• Avoid unknown links and fake delivery messages
• Do not trust caller ID blindly

Public Computer & Wi-Fi Safety

• Do not save passwords on public computers
• Avoid banking on public systems
• Log out and clear browsing data
• Ensure antivirus is installed

Tabnabbing Attacks

Inactive browser tabs may be replaced with fake pages to steal data.

• Refresh tabs before entering details
• Verify URLs before typing information
• Avoid financial transactions in multiple tabs

Ransomware

Ransomware locks or encrypts data and demands money.

• Crypto ransomware encrypts files
• Locker ransomware locks the system
• Maintain backups and updated antivirus

Password Security

• Use different passwords for each service
• Use long passphrases instead of short passwords
• Change passwords regularly
• Avoid shared computers for login

Reporting Cyber Crime

• Report SMS fraud to 1909
• Immediately inform banks in case of financial fraud
• Report online at https://cybercrime.gov.in
• Apply for Do Not Disturb (DND) services

1. Supervise Online Activities

• Keep computers and tablets in common areas of the house
• Regularly check the apps, games, and websites children use
• Be aware of who your child interacts with online

2. Educate About Online Threats

• Explain dangers of talking to strangers online
• Teach children not to share personal details, photos, or school information
• Discuss cyberbullying and encourage open communication

3. Use Parental Controls

• Use child-safe search filters and content restrictions
• Limit screen time and app usage

4. Secure Devices and Accounts

• Install antivirus and keep devices updated
• Use strong passwords and do not share them with children
• Enable two-factor authentication where possible

5. What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

• Stay calm and support your child
• Collect evidence (screenshots, messages)
• Report incidents on cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930

1. Protect Personal Information

• Never share passwords, OTPs, or personal details
• Avoid posting phone numbers, addresses, or school details online
• Think before sharing photos or videos

2. Be Careful on Social Media

• Accept friend requests only from people you know
• Keep social media accounts private
• Report fake profiles and suspicious messages

3. Avoid Online Scams

• Do not click on unknown links or free prize messages
• Beware of fake gaming rewards and exam result links
• Do not download apps from unknown sources

4. Cyberbullying Awareness

• Do not reply to abusive or threatening messages
• Block and report the person immediately
• Inform parents, teachers, or school authorities

5. Safe Online Habits

• Log out from shared or public computers
• Use strong passwords and change them regularly
• Update apps and devices to stay secure