An awareness session on cyber security threats and cyber laws was conducted by the One Stop Centre under the Directorate of Social Welfare to strengthen public understanding of rising cyber risks. The programme, held at the Directorate of Education, focused on identifying common forms of cybercrimes, preventive measures, and the importance of user awareness in reducing vulnerabilities.
Rukhsar Rahim, Para Legal Lawyer at the One Stop Centre, welcomed the participants and introduced the objective of the session. The Resource Person, Hari Krishna, Sub-Inspector, CID Branch, led the technical segment of the workshop. He emphasized that cyber threats are increasing in both number and sophistication, making users the primary targets of online fraud and malicious activities. He noted that a significant portion of cyber incidents occurs due to limited awareness, unsafe online practices, and the growing reliance on digital platforms for daily transactions.
During the session, he elaborated on the most prevalent forms of cybercrimes being reported across the country. These included email scams, social media–based frauds, banking and financial fraud, e-commerce scams, data breaches, lottery scams, QR code–based frauds, online job scams, fraudulent link-sharing schemes, and investment-related scams. He pointed out that criminals often exploit curiosity, fear, or urgency to manipulate users into sharing sensitive information or performing unauthorized financial transactions.
Addressing the challenges associated with cyber security, the Resource Person advised participants to remain cautious of suspicious digital communications. He stressed the importance of not opening emails received from unverified sources and avoiding clicking on unfamiliar links, particularly those requesting confidential details. He highlighted that preventive awareness and timely reporting are critical components of effective cybercrime mitigation.
As part of the session, participants were informed about the nationwide Cybercrime Helpline 1930, which can be used to report financial frauds and online offences. The Resource Person encouraged attendees to disseminate this information within their communities to ensure timely support for victims.
In the concluding segment, Meenal Rajan, Case Worker at the One Stop Centre, briefed participants about the Centre’s objectives and functioning. She explained that the One Stop Centre provides integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence in private and public spaces. Its services include legal aid, medical assistance, psychosocial support, shelter, and guidance in navigating institutional processes. She noted that the Centre also plays a vital role in spreading awareness on safety issues, including cyber safety, to ensure that women have access to accurate information and timely help.
The awareness session aimed to strengthen community preparedness in responding to cyber threats and reinforce the importance of digital vigilance. Officials highlighted that with increasing internet use for banking, communication, and daily activities, understanding cyber risks is essential for ensuring personal and financial security. The event concluded with an interactive segment where participants discussed real-world scenarios and clarified doubts regarding cyber safety practices, digital hygiene, and reporting mechanisms.
