According to CERT-In—office within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Government of India, the nodal agency to deal with cyber security threats like hacking and phishing—a total of 14.02 lakh cyber security incidents were recorded last year. In the first two months this year, 2.12 lakh cyber security incidents were recorded.
Online fraud cases are increasing as people use more and more digital transactions. Many cases have surfaced in the Kashmir valley so far this year. Culprits exploit even educated people’s vulnerabilities with sugary offers and entreating calls and dupe them of money. Staying alert, not sharing bank details, avoiding friend requests etc are the key for staying safe.
Time and again, police issues caution that these fraudsters use the details and initiate an online transaction and ask for the OTP saying that it is required for completing the process of deferment of EMIs on loan or something else.
Once OTP is provided by a customer, money is siphoned away. The fraudster may also send a malicious link in SMS or email in connection with EMI which, if clicked, may install malware to compromise the mobile or computer, police said.
It should be borne in mind that the One Time Password (OTP), or PIN related to one’s bank account should never be shared with anyone as no bank asks for the same over phone or online.
It would be wise not to click on any links from unknown sources and it is better to ignore any offers online or otherwise. One would be better advised to thoroughly research any organizations or charities purporting to be raising money for the destitute.
It’s important to make users aware that they should not share sensitive information such as PIN, passwords, card details or log-in details with anyone.
There is also a pressing need for both governments and private organisations to invest more in terms of both resources and attention in setting up safeguards against cyber crimes.