Cyber Crime: Beware of smartphones

Hyderabad: The wide use of social media and the increasing use of smartphones is making women vulnerable to cyber crimes. Lack of awareness among women and inadequate knowledge of electronic gadgets and software applications is becoming a major problem. The victims are not affected by financial or job frauds but are blackmailed by some men who threaten to defame them on social media.

“People should learn basic things about the gadgets they are using. They should avoid unknown links while using social or banking sites. Women should be careful about friend requests from unknown people and sharing personal information,” said cyber security advisor to the Telangana government M. Sandeep.

He was speaking at a programme organised by the British Council on Saturday. People should not be careless about the devices they use. Regular updates of software can help them from falling prey to hackers, he said.

“Hackers are more advanced than common users. Their focus is on kids. By using genuine anti-virus software and regularly updating it the risk can be controlled,” added Sandeep.

“Though we cannot keep tabs on what our children are doing we can speak to them on safety issues. Professional counselling to the victims can also help them come out of trauma,” said BJP Telangana general secretary (Mahila Morcha), V. Chaya Devi.

The law is beyond the reach of commoners in India and people are unaware of legal procedures when they face a cyber threat. Women are also worried about their family’s honour.

“In countries like the United Kingdom when girls face such problems immediate legal aid is provided to them. Apart from legal aid they are provided moral support also,” said Ms Janette, an official of the Scotland Yard police.