HYDERABAD: “Stop, think & verify and let the danger bells ring,” is the best possible way to protect oneself from falling victim to cyber frauds, was the message of film director S.S. Rajamouli.
He was speaking at the HACK Summit 2023 organised by the Hyderabad city police and the Hyderabad City Security Council on Wednesday.
Earlier, home minister Mahmood Ali, and CP C.V. Anand spoke about cyber safety measures taken by the state government. Badminton star Jwala Gutta also shared how she handled bullying and trolling from her childhood.
The ‘RRR’ maker, shared how Kondal, a daily labourer on his set, lost his 10-month salary responding to a call from a fraudster who impersonated a bank manager. Also how one of the top politicians, whom he did not want to name, approached his relative asking for advice to claim the USD 10 million lottery.
“This shows how cybercriminals are targeting everyone, from daily labourers to politicians,” he added.
He added that ignorance and greed are two main factors that make people victims of cyber frauds.
“There’s no free or easy money without a repercussion or a danger behind it. If you are greedy for easy money, nobody can save you. I also do not have any sympathy for those who want to make easy money. Even God can’t save you,” he cautioned.
Gutta Jwala said that even in her childhood, she was called names as her mother was from China and it continued during Covid, when people called her Half Corona. “I have learnt to ignore them and focus on my work. But I advise children, especially girls, to not suffer alone, endure trolls, bullying and talk about it to parents and also report to police,” she said.
Earlier, Mohammed Mahmood Ali said cyber security is essential, and how the Telangana police are working closely with industry and businesses to combat cybercrime.
CP Hyderabad and HCSC Chairman CV. Anand emphasised the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. “We aim to make HACK an annual event, bringing city police and businesses together on a single platform to address critical cyber security issues. This collaboration is essential for breaking down silos and finding solutions, as demonstrated during the pandemic,” he added.
