Should schools, offices and banks start offering a course in cyber security to prevent people from falling prey to rising online scams?
THE increasing prevalence and sophistication of cyber crime make it essential for individuals to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to protect themselves in the digital world. SCHOOLS, offices and banks should provide their stakeholders a course in cyber safety to prevent people from falling victims to online scams. There are several reasons for this.
Should schools, offices and banks start offering a course in cyber security to prevent people from falling prey to rising online scams?
There are several reasons why such courses are necessary:
Rising cyber threats: The number of cyber threats, including scams, phishing attacks, and identity theft, is on the rise. It is crucial to educate people about these risks and teach them how to identify and avoid potential threats. By offering a course in cyber safety, individuals can be empowered to protect their personal and financial information effectively.
Vulnerability of individuals: Many people are unaware of the various tactics used by cyber criminals to exploit their vulnerabilities. This lack of knowledge can make individuals easy targets for scams. A course in cyber safety would educate people about common scams, such as email phishing, fake websites, and social engineering, enabling them to detect and mitigate these risks.
Protection of personal and financial information: With the increasing use of online platforms for financial transactions and personal communications, it is crucial to safeguard sensitive information. Cyber safety courses can teach individuals about secure online practices, password management, and the importance of using strong encryption methods, reducing the risk of data breaches and identity theft.
Creating a culture of cybersecurity: Educating individuals from an early age will instil good online habits and raise awareness about the importance of data privacy and protection. This knowledge will extend beyond personal use and positively impact the security practices within organisations and communities.
Empowerment and confidence: Knowledge is power, and by providing individuals with the necessary cybersecurity skills, they will feel more confident and empowered in navigating the digital landscape. They will be equipped with the tools to protect themselves, their families, and their organisations from cyber threats, ultimately leading to a safer online environment for everyone.
Akshay Ojha
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First, cyber crimes targeting children as well as employees are increasingly being reported. Cyber crimes have become so complex that even the well-educated, including IT professionals, have fallen prey in the recent past.
Second, cyber crimes can take the form of phishing, identity thefts and online extortion. Phishing can take the form of SMS messages or WhatsApp audio calls that prompt gullible people to reveal their personal information such as CPR number and bank passwords resulting in a depleting bank balance.
Third, cyber criminals often target minor children by recording their nude videos online and then extorting money from them which affects their reputation as well as financial security.
Courses on cyber safety in schools and offices will equip the children and employees with the necessary awareness and skills to avoid falling prey to such crimes.
Fourth, with increased digitisation and applications, many people are trained in the responsible and safe use of internet and digital tools. As such providing practical training can go a long way in preventing such crimes.
Fifth, preventing cyber crimes is much wiser than trying to trace the criminals because often apprehending cyber criminals is an uphill task as they can operate from a different country altogether.
Sixth, educating the stakeholders about the potential dangers of cyber crimes is the ethical responsibility of schools and banks. By proving courses on cyber safety, schools can ensure digital awareness early on among the people. Banks also can ensure financial security of their customers by providing crash courses on cyber security.
Ivy Sonia Mendonca
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