I have been the victim of cybercrime- Identity theft twice in the last year, a phishing attack once and a blackmail threat once. Knowing how to counter and act on them, I survived with almost no damage. However, most of us are too casual and free with our data, and freely give away important data points, making us vulnerable in this era of hyper-security threats. Nidhi Arora, in her book ‘The Small but Ultimate Book of Online Safety: For Everyone’, shares tips for proactively avoiding falling victim to Identity theft, financial fraud, Blackmail and Political manipulations.
Now don’t let the book misguide you (think the author forgot a disclaimer)- ‘In these times of changing evolving practices, authentications, and new processes, following all the tips may not be enough to prevent cybercrime. However, she welcomes fresh tips on Online safety and promises to update future editions with credit to the contributor.
Need for Online Safety- Cybercrime Is Huge and is growing.
We have all heard and read of astronomical figures, such as 700,000 complaints received by the national helpline (#1930) in one month. That is some 16 cases of fraud per minute. More than 5,740 Identity theft cases were recorded in 2022 as per the National Crime Records Bureau.
The fraud of INR 10,319 crores occurred between April 2021 to January 2024, per Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO of India Cyber Crime Co-ordination Centre (I4C). One can safely mark these up knowing how under-reporting cases happen in the country.
We know the losses will most likely never be recovered with the understaffed and overworked police. Cybercrime, like anywhere else in the world, is one of India’s fastest-growing crime categories.
Nidhi Arora, the author, rightly believes that being forewarned is a better situation and that prevention is better than remedy. So, here in her book, she gives tips on safeguarding oneself or one’s family against cybercrimes.
The Book Fails to Share the Real Cases of Online Safety and threats.
She claims to have analysed hundreds of cases before compiling this Raksha kavach of tips. However, I was surprised that none of the cases have been detailed so that a common person could understand the processes, traps, and potential issues.
Maybe she considers all of us literate enough in this count- but then most of her tips in the books are known to people through proactive Cyber Crime prevention communication (advertisements- emails- newsletters) by RBI, Banks, and other financial institutions.
I believe that examples of fraudsters’ stepwise processes to trap the victim would have hugely made the book more relevant, interesting, engaging and effective. It would have also helped the reader relate to the importance of the tip and be better prepared for their cyber interaction.
Is The Book Overpriced?
I am a relatively updated and well-aware person on cybercrime. Yet, I was targeted last year. So, at INR 159, the book with hardly 32 pages of relevant information may sound teasingly overpriced- yet if it can save you from any brush with identity theft, financial fraud, blackmail, and political manipulation- don’t you think it will be worth it? Honestly, there were just a few TIPS that I was unaware of or was not practising, but if that tip is helpful and helps block another loophole in cybercrime, it is worth it.
Some Tips from the Book to Prevent Cybercrimes.
I would not get into the tips she shares- as I would want you to read that in the book. However, a few overall umbrella guidelines form the basis of most of the tips.
I do black out the Aadhar card numbers, but I like it when Nidhi suggests that instead of giving an Aadhar card number or copy, check if they want an Aadhar card or any other photo ID; a driving license would do. So, miserably share your Aadhar Card details only when nothing else works.
Don’t readily give out your phone number in every app, retail, or parking lot. I never had two sims or two phones, but her suggestion of keeping two phones – one for personal interactions and one for places where one must give the phone number- makes sense. However, I am not convinced. Remember, I am a well-aware, literate, logical person who has experienced cybercrime. The same is true for e-mail, as email, phone numbers, and personal details are primarily used in cybercrime.
Your data is safe till you don’t share. A secret is not a secret if it is known to more than one person. So, your default action should be NOT to share personal data. There is no free lunch or dinner. So, if possible, stop using free services where you must share data.
Identity theft is common and is easily the most damaging. By identity theft, the fraudster can take loans, write messages, take over your friendships, and lead to potentially disastrous consequences professionally. Don’t press a key on your keypads if the caller asks you to do so.
OVERHYPING OR SIMPLY PARANOID.
Following all the tips will make life a nightmare. However, place a premium on your data. But when she asks you to choose a diagnostic centre that stores data locally and asks for data to be deleted after some time- do you think she is taking it too far?
When she asks you to keep an offline backup of all your data in a separate SSD or hard drive, update it periodically before every trip, and leave that at home, is she too paranoid? You will only know if the party you hold your data with is compromised. She does take it for granted that her readers know SSD is a ‘solid state Drive’. Many such instances in the book fail to justify the title- for everyone.
She tells you to subscribe to haveibeenpwned– without telling you the advantage or what it will do for you. The time when a proxy fake website appears- she does not share the website ID of the actual website.
She asks you not to link FD to current or saving accounts and not to keep high value in current and saving accounts. It is a possible threat and temptation for financial cyber fraud, but it is something that only a few will listen to and implement.
SOME THINGS ARE SIMPLE.
Nidhi does tell you, and most likely, you know. But I reiterate it here.
No one has accidentally transferred extra money to you or transferred to your digital wallet by mistake.
No friend or relative suddenly thinks of returning a loan you may have forgotten.
No international employer asks for visa processing charges- they ask you to get the visa.
No one pays INR 50 to watch and like YouTube videos.
NO recruiter or HR is looking for you without a resume and interview process.
No task-based assignment should need a security deposit.
No FedEx courier with the drug has arrived for you.
No police officer is waiting to talk to you on video call.
For KYC, visit the bank or their official app and website. Don’t press the link that you get. For service centre and support department numbers, don’t depend on Google- go to the official site.
THE MOST IMPORTANT– EDUCATE CHILDREN
Quoting straight from the book-“Educate your children that if someone says they have compromising pictures or material on them, the right thing to do is to come to you. The wrong thing to do is to give in. In this day and age, many young people are being sexually and financially abused on the basis of a compromising video or picture. Nudes being leaked is no big deal. There is nothing to worry about. Then, tell yourself the same thing”.
NETNET.
The book seems hurried and casual in its approach to a serious subject. The tips are all relevant, and as they keep coming in sequence without any break, the level of engagement – interest and impact decrease.
I would love Nidhi to include detailed cases. In some places where She has given YouTube video links- describe the process, too. And yes, please watch films like Jamtara. There are many small and big tips- you may or may not know- and if you know- you may not be following them. So, pick the book at INR 159 just for a refresher or to help yourself proactively prevent potential cybercrime possibilities. It may still be worth a read.
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