Kozhikode: Over the last one and half years, cyber fraud victims withinside the limits of Kozhikode city have lost almost Rs 28.71 crores in total. Out of this money, only Rs 4.33 crores could be freezed so far.

The cases in which people have lost their money in deposits and various online trades have been on the rise of late. While nine such cases were reported in the city in the previous year, so far, 27 cases have registered in 2024.

In total, 61 cyber fraud cases have been registered in the city in the first six months of 2024, this is a considerable increase given the fact that in 2023, there were only 110 such cases registered in the entire year.

Awareness Programmes

The Kozhikode City Police have decided on conducting various awareness programmes against the rising number of cybercrimes. City Police Commissioner Rajpal Meena informed that awareness programmes will be organised for residential associations starting from Friday.

217 volunteers

Apart from cyber police, cyber volunteers will also be appointed. So far, 217 volunteers have been appointed. 100 of them have completed training. Posters cautioning people against cyber frauds will be pasted at public places including bus stands and railway stations.

Here are some common precautions to protect against cyber crimes:

Use strong passwords: Create complex passwords and change them regularly.

Enable two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

Be wary of phishing: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

Keep software updated: Install updates for operating systems, antivirus software, and applications promptly.

Use secure connections: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions; use VPNs if necessary.

Backup regularly: Keep backups of important data in secure locations.

Monitor financial statements: Regularly check bank and credit card statements for unauthorised transactions.

Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest cyber threats and techniques to protect against them.

Limit personal information: Be cautious about sharing personal information online, especially on social media.

Secure devices: Use firewalls and security software to protect computers, smartphones, and other devices.

By implementing these precautions, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber crimes and protect your personal information and digital assets.