In an effort to address the growing menace of cybercrimes, District Superintendent of Police (SP) S. Satish Kumar emphasised the importance of public awareness at the ‘Cyber Valour-2024’ programme held at Sri Venkateswara Vignan Mandir in Guntur on Monday. The large-scale initiative aimed to educate citizens on the dangers of cyber fraud and preventive measures.
Speaking at the event, SP Satish Kumar highlighted the increasing number of cybercrime victims, ranging from professionals to homemakers, often targeted due to lack of awareness. “Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities, especially among middle-aged and retired individuals unfamiliar with digital fraud tactics. Awareness is the key to preventing such crimes,” he said.
The programme included a cyber security fair and a short film competition to spread awareness among students. Cash prizes were awarded to winners from Nirmala College of Pharmacy, RVR and JC College, and others for their creative portrayals of topics like OTP fraud and employment scams.
The SP advised victims of cybercrime to promptly contact the National Cyber Security Cell’s toll-free number 1930 or report incidents to local banks and police stations to minimise losses.
Chief guest Patibandla Prasad, Director of Centre for Research on Cyber Intelligence and Digital Forensics (CRCIDF), Hyderabad, praised the initiative, noting that cybercrimes, both financial and social, are rising due to increasing online interactions. He urged people to verify online communications and avoid sharing personal details or responding to suspicious calls.
The event saw participation from law enforcement officers, educators, students, and community members, reinforcing the need for collective action to safeguard against cyber threats.
Published – December 23, 2024 07:24 pm IST