Basics of Cyber-Security

Recently I’ve been getting barged with calls from unknown numbers often ending as a nuisance from the other side. Result? Blocked. 

I wasn’t very aware of all this cyber security stuff because no one ever explained it to me properly. The small tid-bits that I got was often from here and there from the internet itself. And let’s be honest. Even though this whole self-learning thing is the ‘new-trend’ not many of us have the time in hand or patience to sit down and browse through these millions of articles. If you’d ask my opinion about it, I definitely think it’s high-time that cyber-security as a course is introduced in junior grades and everyone is aware of the basic cyber-security laws and procedures. 

Without wasting anymore time, let’s begin this article by asking the “Why?”

Why is it important to know about cyber-security? 

Social media, telegram group chats or any other websites that have your personal information stored is susceptible to threats and leakage of your data. When your personal data is leaked it may cause further problems as a possible danger to your bank accounts, personal life information and any such things that can be maliciously used by some people. It may sound “fine”, but it is indeed a big deal. Doxxing which refers to publishing someone’s private information on the internet typically with malicious intent may cause problems such as incessant callings from unknown numbers, or someone actually knowing details such as your exact location and using it to fulfill any of their evil goals. Therefore, it’s important that you stay safe and share your personal details with caution. 

How Can We Stay Safe? 

1. Enter your personal details such as Name, age, location, etc only on trusted platforms. Avoid giving out too much information about yourself on Social Media and do not publish your phone number on any site unless it’s an absolute must and the site is safe. Keep your phone number and person details hidden from unknown people if possible. 
2. To recognize safe sites, look for a 🔒and  https in the URL of the website. A site with ⚠ and just http in it’s URL is usually a site that’s prone to cyber attacks and thus unsafe. 
3. If you ever need to sign-up on any website for insignificant reasons then do so with a spare email ID that doesn’t reveal much of your credentials and is not associated with any of your bank details or personal secured email IDs.
4. Do not click on any unknown link sent to you by any unknown number or SMS. It can possibly lead to hacking of your personal details and accounts. 
5. Do not reply back to unknown numbers that call you incessantly and for no genuine reason. Best way is to report and block them. 
6. If you ever find yourself a victim of any of the cyber-bullying or such blank or malicious calls, do not hesitate to report them to the cyber security of India. 
7. To report any such events or seek any further assistance you can contact either an organization called Law Sikho that works pro-bono or report directly to the Cyber Crime Security of India Website. 
8. Lastly, always be cautious to never share any of your personal details to anyone on the internet unless you trust them 100% and know them personally. 

That’s it for the tips. I hope you’d keep them in mind and browse safely and securely on the internet!