My name is Ajmal Nawaz Mirza of Class VII H. I recently studied this topic in my computer class and realized how important it is to stay safe online. With so many cybercrimes happening every day, I wanted to share what I learned to help my friends and family protect themselves from online threats.

Understanding Cyber Threats

The internet is a wonderful place where we can learn, play, and connect with people. However, just like in the real world, there are dangers lurking online. Cybercriminals use various tricks to steal personal information, hack accounts, and spread harmful software. Cybercrimes can be classified into three types:

1. Cybercrimes against individuals – These include cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and identity theft.
2. Cybercrimes against property – Examples are phishing, hacking, and malware attacks.
3. Cybercrimes against organizations or society – This includes spreading viruses, data breaches, and online frauds.

Common Cyber Frauds and Real-Life Examples

After learning about cyber safety, I spoke to my friends and family to understand how cyber frauds can impact us. Here are some incidents:

• The Risk of Downloading Unverified Games: One of my classmates downloaded a free version of the game Geometry Dash from an unknown website. Unfortunately, the download also contained a dangerous virus called a boot sector virus. His computer system got corrupted, and his family had to spend Rs. 500 to fix it.
• Fake Phone Calls and Messages: My uncle received a voicemail from someone pretending to be from India Post. The message said his parcel was confiscated and asked him to press ‘1’ to speak to the police. Since my uncle knew that the police do not use voicemails for such matters, he immediately reported the call using the TRAI DND app.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are some simple yet effective ways to protect yourself from cyber threats:

1. Be cautious of unknown callers: The police or government organizations never ask for personal details or money over calls or messages.
2. Do not share personal information: Avoid entering your bank details, passwords, or OTPs on any suspicious website or form.
3. Use spam and fraud detection apps: Install apps like Truecaller to identify spam calls and block fraudsters.
4. Avoid downloading suspicious files: Never download apps, games, or files from untrusted sources.
5. Verify email addresses: Scammers often use fake email handles with slight spelling mistakes to trick people. Always double-check before responding.
6. Use strong passwords: Set strong and unique passwords for your accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
7. Install a reliable antivirus program:A good antivirus can help detect and remove viruses from your computer or mobile phone.

Conclusion

Cyber safety is essential in today’s digital world. By being cautious and following safety measures, we can protect ourselves from cybercriminals. Whether it’s using antivirus software, avoiding suspicious downloads, or staying alert to scam calls, small steps can make a big difference. Let’s all be responsible digital citizens and stay safe online!

Stay safe and spread awareness!

Ajmal Nawaz Mirza
Class VII-H