According to the Home Ministry, some 1.13 million Indians were fraud victims in 2023. A joint report in 2023 by industry body Data Security Council of India and cybersecurity solutions provider Seqrite shows that cyberattacks are expected to rise in 2024. “These threats are projected to manifest in phishing emails and malvertising, likely themed around the election campaign. The threat landscape is foreseen to intensify during this period, emphasising the critical need for strong cybersecurity measures,” the report says, cautioning that “Vigilance is crucial for both individuals and organisations to ensure their digital security infrastructure is well-prepared to counter potential threats.”

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A recent cybersecurity breach at the audio and accessories brand BoAt highlights the threats fraudsters pose. In this attack, the personal data of some 7.5 million customers of BoAt was compromised when the criminals leaked their names, contact numbers, and email addresses on the dark web for sale. BoAt sells products like wireless earphones, earbuds, smart watches, etc. Flagging the danger, Sanjay Kaushik, a cybersecurity expert and MD of Netrika Consulting India Pvt. Ltd said the BoAt attack was aimed at “conducting financial fraud by social engineering”.

Given the lurking dangers in cyberspace, how can senior citizens, who are relatively more vulnerable to cyberattacks due to their age, evade potential threats?

Here are some ways you can secure yourself from online threats:

Set A Strong Password: Create a strong password comprising alphabets, numerals, special characters, capital and small case letters, etc. Ensure the password is long and difficult to guess, and change it regularly.

Multi-Level Authentication: Adding layers of authentication and a different password at each level will help enhance security. Use a different password, security questions, biometric verification, or OTP-based login and verification wherever possible.

Do Not Click Unknown Links: Fraudsters and scammers send links as attachments via SMS and email messages. Do not click those links sent from unknown numbers and email addresses. They may contain Malware.

Keep Anti-Virus Software Updated: Anti-virus software protects you from unwanted malicious software, so ensure that the software is updated, mainly if the device is used for financial transactions.

Use A Secured Internet Connection: Avoid using free WiFi for financial transactions. Use a secure internet connection, particularly when using a website that collects your personal or financial information.

Avoid Public Charging Stations: Public charging stations in malls, railway stations, etc., can be loaded with malicious software, so avoid using them. Always carry your charger; even better, carry a power bank.

In addition to these techniques, fraudsters also use social engineering to cheat people, such as deploying psychological tactics and impersonating bank employees.

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Have A ‘Zero Trust’ Approach 

Kaushik emphasises a ‘zero trust’ approach. “In our childhood, our parents used to guide us never to take things from any stranger; the same is true with cyber fraud: don’t share your details, especially banking details, PIN and OTP, with a stranger. Don’t download unauthorised apps, don’t click on links from unknown sources and numbers, and the best is not to keep your banking details on your phone. If possible, keep a separate phone for banking and another one for social media (though not possible for everyone).”

How To Defeat Digitals Thugs?

Do Not Share Personal Details: Do not share bank details, passwords, OTPs, or PINs with anybody. There have been cases where the customer care numbers taken from the internet turned out to be inauthentic. Don’t blindly trust the executives on the other side of the phone when sharing your critical information.

Report The Potential Or Already Occurred Crime: If you are suspicious of an SMS, call, or WhatsApp, report it to the Telecom Department through the Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal.

To learn more about the Chakshu facility, click here. 

If you are a victim of financial fraud, do not hesitate to report it. You can also approach the police or call the 24/7 cybercrime helpline number 1930 to report a crime.