New Delhi
If you also use public Wi-Fi internet, then be careful, because due to this you can become a victim of cyber fraud and your bank account can also become empty. University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued guidelines regarding cyber hygiene for students. ‘Stay Cyber-Safe!’ Through this, UGC has also released a handbook for Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and students. Information about what should be done and what should not be done to avoid cyber fraud is given in the handbook.
Beware of Public USB Charger Scams
Avoid charging your phone in public places. Cyber criminals can use USB charging ports installed in public places such as airports, cafes, hotels and bus stands etc. for malicious activities. Charging your electronic devices at such USB charging stations can make you a victim of juice-jacking cyber attack. Juice jacking can lead to the installation of malicious apps, encryption of your device, and criminals demanding ransom to restore it or extorting money from your device by stealing data from it.
How to avoid?
Think twice before plugging in at public charging stations or portable wall chargers.
Use an electrical wall outlet to charge your mobile device.
Try to carry your own cable or power bank with you.
Lock your mobile device using the software security feature, ensuring that it cannot pair with any connected devices.
Try to charge your phone when it is switched off.
What not to do?
Public Wi-Fi: Do not open your personal or professional email ID, online bank account while using public Wi-Fi.
pirated software: Avoid using pirated software, as it often contains malware. Contact only from valid source.
Suspicious Email: Do not open attachments from unknown senders or suspicious emails.
Security Software: Don’t disable your security software.
Risky Websites: Avoid websites that are known to distribute malware such as unapproved downloading sites.
What to do?
Email Caution: Be very careful when opening email attachments or images, especially from unknown senders.
Regular Backup: Keep taking regular backup of important files for recovery in case of cyber attack.
Trusted Software: Install anti-malware/antivirus software only from authorized providers like, Play Store, App Store, official website.
Updates and Firewall: Keep your OS and software up to date with security patches. Enable your system’s firewall.
Download Security: Download files only from trusted sources. Avoid attachments from unknown senders and suspicious links.
In fact, in recent times, higher education institutions (HEIs) have been vulnerable to various types of cyber attacks. During the COVID-19 pandemic the HEI community had to shift to ‘online’, including Vice-Chancellors, teachers, students and support staff. HEIs faced many challenges in smoothly shifting to ‘online’ education due to lack of cyber security awareness and lack of trust in cyberspace. Therefore, increasing awareness about cyber threats and following healthy cyber habits is imperative to strengthen the cyber security ecosystem of HEIs.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes digitalization in education, recognizes the need for the use of technology in teaching and also acknowledges its potential risks and dangers. It is essential to ensure that the concerns of the digital divide are addressed while taking full advantage of the benefits of online/digital education.
Our higher education institutions also need to develop good cyber hygiene habits and adopt new common standards of cyber security. It will help learners and organizations reduce potential cyber threats through a security-focused approach and behavior.
