Advisory Issued to Raise Public Awareness on Cyber Security and Cyber Hygiene

Jaipur : The Department of Information Technology and Communication has issued an advisory on UPI phishing fraud and online job scams to increase public awareness about cyber security and good cyber hygiene practices. Pooja Partha, Joint Secretary of the Home Department, stated that a letter has been sent to the Director General of Police, Cyber Crime, SCRB, and Technical Services to take necessary action on this matter.

She explained that fraudsters often pose as bank representatives offering help with banking-related issues, asking victims to forward links to their registered mobile numbers to gain access to their bank accounts. Fraud can also occur by asking victims to share OTPs (One-Time Passwords) under the guise of KYC or Aadhaar updates. It is important never to share OTPs with anyone claiming to be a bank official. Individuals who search for customer care numbers on Google, especially for refunds or services, can also fall victim to fraud.

Additionally, cybercriminals often exploit users’ data when they share it on various websites and social media platforms while job hunting. They may demand registration or service fees in exchange for fake job offers. To avoid such scams, submit job applications only through registered websites and avoid making advance payments for jobs.

General Cyber Awareness Tips:

1. Be cautious when receiving suspicious emails; check the sender, subject, and signature for any inconsistencies.
2. Don’t trust emails immediately—read them carefully and look for signs of phishing. Avoid clicking on links unless they are from trusted sources.
3. If you receive a message from an unrecognized number, read it carefully before responding.
4. If you suspect a message is a phishing attempt (smishing), do not reply. Never provide personal or sensitive information to unknown individuals on insecure websites.
5. Be wary of messages or calls that create a sense of urgency—they may be attempts to defraud you.
6. Stay alert and attentive during phone calls, especially when asked for personal information.
7. Personally verify the identity of anyone requesting sensitive information over the phone.
8. Do not share bank details, personal information, or OTPs over phone calls.
9. Remember, banks never ask for your card number, CVV, or OTP.
10. Avoid sharing your email address unnecessarily, as it could enable cybercriminals to access your internet banking and manipulate your funds.
11. Secure your mobile device by setting software updates to automatic.
12. Change your passwords regularly.
13. Use multi-factor authentication to secure your accounts.
14. Install antivirus software and keep it updated regularly.