Our digital identity includes the accounts, details, and information we use every day. We use our phones for banking, shopping, social media, and communication. However, cybercriminals can target this information through phishing, weak passwords, and online scams. As a result, one careless click can put an account or personal information at risk. Therefore, learning about digital identity protection can help people make safer choices and protect their privacy.

About the Digital Identity Protection Session

Session Title: Advanced Digital Identity & Privacy Protection
Date: 28 July 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Mode: Online (Zoom)
Series: CyberShakti Cohort 2, Day 2
Organised by: Project CyberShield

About the Guest Speaker

Mr. Prabhakar Damour, a PhD candidate at IIIT Vadodara and Director of NewNow Pvt. Ltd., led the session. He shared practical tips and real-world cases with the participants. In addition, he explained how simple security habits can help prevent serious cyber incidents.

Why Digital Identity Protection Matters

Your digital identity can include your email accounts, bank details, social media profiles, and personal documents. Today, attackers use different methods to steal this information. For example, they may use identity theft, SIM swap attacks, phishing, or data leaks. Because of this, internet users need to take simple steps to protect their identity and privacy. With the right habits, people can reduce their risk and stay safer online.

Key Digital Identity Protection Topics

Strong Passwords and Digital Hygiene

Participants learned how to create strong and unique passwords. They also learned why they should avoid using the same password for different accounts.

SIM Swap and Biometric Security

In addition, the speaker explained how SIM swap attacks can put personal accounts at risk. He also highlighted the importance of locking Aadhaar biometrics to help prevent unauthorised use.

Email and Privacy Protection

The speaker shared real cybercrime cases to show how quickly online fraud can affect people. For example, victims of financial cyber fraud can report the incident through the 1930 Cyber Helpline. As a result, quick reporting can help victims seek support at the right time.

Real-Life Cybercrime Cases

Real cases showed why quick action matters after online fraud. For example, victims can report financial cybercrime through the 1930 Cyber Helpline to seek timely help.

Multi-Factor Authentication

The session also highlighted the importance of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). By enabling MFA, users can add another layer of security to important accounts. Therefore, even if someone gets a password, accessing the account becomes more difficult.

Audience Interaction During the Digital Identity Protection Session

The session included practical examples, discussions, and questions from participants. During the discussion, participants asked about protecting social media accounts, bank accounts, and personal information. They also explored simple ways to improve their online privacy. As a result, the interaction helped participants connect cybersecurity practices with situations they may face in everyday life.

Watch the Full Digital Identity Protection Session

The complete session is available on Naksh Foundation’s YouTube channel. There, viewers can revisit the expert discussion and learn practical ways to protect their digital identity, improve online privacy, and stay safe from cyber threats.

Important Digital Identity Protection Takeaways

• First, use a strong and unique password for every account.
• Next, enable Multi-Factor Authentication wherever possible.
• Also, keep banking and personal email accounts separate.
• In addition, lock Aadhaar biometrics for added protection.
• Finally, report cyber fraud quickly through the 1930 Cyber Helpline.

Building Safer Digital Habits

Protecting your digital identity starts with simple actions. For example, strong passwords, MFA, privacy checks, and quick reporting can help reduce online risks. Over time, these habits can make digital accounts safer. Ultimately, small security steps can help people use digital services with greater confidence.

Want to explore more cybersecurity awareness activities? Visit our Blogs to discover more campaigns and events. You can also visit our Naksh Foundation to learn about all the initiatives we undertake.

The post Digital Identity and Privacy: Stay Safe Online first appeared on Project CyberShield.

Online payments make life easier. However, they also create risks. Scammers use fake calls, phishing links, QR tricks, and false identities to steal money. As a result, anyone who uses digital payments can become a target. Therefore, learning about online financial fraud can help people spot warning signs and make safer choices.

About the Online Financial Fraud Session

Date: 26 July 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Mode: Online
Series: CyberShakti Cohort 2, Day 3
Organised by: Project CyberShield

About the Guest Speaker

Advocate Khushi Sharma, a legal expert in cybercrime and digital payments, led the session. She shared real cases and simple safety steps. In addition, she explained how quick thinking can help people avoid financial loss.

Why Online Financial Fraud Matters

As digital banking grows, scammers find new ways to trick users. For example, they may create fear or urgency. Therefore, knowing common scam methods can help users pause and verify information before taking action.

Key Online Financial Fraud Topics

Why Financial Cybercrime Is Rising

The speaker explained that scammers target fear, trust, and urgency. Meanwhile, online banking gives fraudsters more chances to target users.

Why Women Are Often Targeted

Women may handle household payments and family banking. Because of this, scammers may target them with fake emergencies or false claims.

UPI, QR Code, and Payment App Frauds

Participants learned that scanning a QR code usually sends money rather than receives it. Therefore, users should check every payment request before approving it.

OTP, KYC, and Impersonation Scams

Scammers may pretend to be bank staff or government officials. They may ask for OTPs, CVV numbers, PINs, or KYC details. However, users should never share confidential banking information through unexpected calls or messages.

Digital Arrest, Fake Jobs, and Malicious Links

The session covered digital arrest scams, fake jobs, phishing, and harmful apps. As a result, participants learned to avoid unknown links and untrusted apps.

Protecting Personal Data and Reporting Fraud

The speaker advised participants to record suspicious transactions and report fraud quickly. Users can report financial cybercrime through the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline and the official Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

Important Online Financial Fraud Safety Tips

• First, never share OTPs, CVV numbers, PINs, or banking passwords.
• Next, verify every payment request before sending money.
• Also, remember that scanning a QR code usually sends money.
• Finally, report suspected fraud as soon as possible.

Audience Interaction During the Online Financial Fraud Session

The session included questions and real-life cases. Moreover, participants asked about UPI scams, fake bank calls, and digital arrest scams. In addition, these examples showed common scam methods and helped participants understand how to respond safely.

Watch the Full Online Financial Fraud Session

The complete session is available on YouTube. There, viewers can learn ways to identify online financial fraud and protect their money.

Building Safer Financial Habits

Online financial safety starts with simple habits. For example, users can verify requests, protect banking details, and avoid unknown links. In addition, quick reporting can help limit the impact of fraud. Ultimately, awareness and careful decisions can help people use digital payments with greater confidence.

Want to explore more cybersecurity awareness activities? Visit our Blogs to discover more campaigns and events. You can also visit our Naksh Foundation to learn about all the initiatives we undertake.

The post Online Financial Fraud: Stay Safe from Scams first appeared on Project CyberShield.

Cyber laws help protect people from online crimes and misuse of personal information. For women, this knowledge can be especially useful when dealing with cyberstalking, identity theft, deepfakes, online cheating, or privacy violations. As a result, knowing basic cyber laws can help people understand their rights and respond with confidence. Therefore, awareness, quick reporting, and proper evidence handling are important parts of staying safe online.

About the Cyber Laws Session

Date: 30 July 2026
Time: Evening
Mode: Online (Zoom)
Series: CyberShakti Cohort 2, Day 4
Organised by: Project CyberShield

About the Guest Speaker

Prof. Dr. Saroj Sharma, Dean of the School of Law at Presidency University, Bengaluru, led the session. She has over 20 years of experience in legal education, research, and PhD supervision. Moreover, she used real cases to explain complex legal topics in a simple and practical way.

Why Cyber Laws Matter

Cybercrime can affect anyone, but some online offences can have a serious impact on women. For example, cyberstalking, deepfake abuse, privacy violations, and the misuse of personal information can cause emotional, social, and professional harm. Therefore, understanding cyber laws can help people know what action they can take when they face such situations.

Key Cyber Laws and Digital Safety Topics

Cyber Offences Against Women

The session covered identity theft, online cheating, privacy violations, cyberstalking, voyeurism, and harmful online content. In addition, the speaker explained how the Information Technology Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita address these offences.

Data Protection and Privacy

Participants learned about the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and the importance of protecting personal information. For example, this can include Aadhaar details, PAN information, biometrics, health records, and location data. Therefore, users should read privacy policies and avoid sharing unnecessary information.

Deepfakes, Sextortion, and Image Abuse

The session explained deepfakes, image morphing, sextortion, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Moreover, participants learned that such abuse should be reported quickly. They were also advised to avoid creating or sharing sensitive recordings.

Digital Arrest and Financial Fraud

The speaker clarified that a “digital arrest” is not a valid legal process. In addition, genuine officials will not demand money through a video call. Participants also learned about QR scams, fake KYC calls, and fake parcel scams. As a result, they understood why users should pause and verify unexpected demands for money.

Preserving Digital Evidence

Participants learned why they should preserve chats, screenshots, messages, and other digital records after an incident. Instead of deleting or editing evidence, users should keep the original records safe. This helps investigators understand what happened and trace the incident when possible.

Reporting Cybercrime and Knowing Your Rights

The session introduced the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline. In addition, participants learned about Zero FIR, SHE-Box, Stop NCII, and Sanchar Saathi. Most importantly, they were reminded that cybercrime is never the victim’s fault.

Important Cyber Laws Safety Tips

• First, protect your personal and financial information.
• Next, preserve messages, screenshots, and other evidence after an incident.
• Also, verify suspicious calls, links, and payment requests.
• In addition, report cybercrime through the correct reporting channels.
• Finally, seek help without fear or shame when you face online abuse.

Audience Interaction During the Cyber Laws Session

The session included real cases, discussions, and questions from participants. Moreover, attendees shared experiences involving deepfake threats and emergency-call scams. In addition, these discussions helped participants understand how cyber laws apply to real-life situations. As a result, many attendees felt more confident about preserving evidence and reporting cybercrime.

Watch the Full Cyber Laws Session

The complete CyberShakti Day 4 session is available on YouTube. There, viewers can learn about cyber laws, women’s rights, digital evidence, and practical ways to respond to online threats.

Building Safer Digital Habits

Cyber safety starts with awareness and simple actions. For example, users can protect their personal data, preserve digital evidence, and report suspicious activity quickly. At the same time, knowing your rights can make it easier to respond when something goes wrong. Ultimately, understanding cyber laws can help people use the digital world with greater confidence.

Want to explore more cybersecurity awareness activities? Visit our Blogs to discover more campaigns and events. You can also visit our Naksh Foundation to learn about all the initiatives we undertake.

The post Cyber Laws and Women’s Rights: Know Your Rights first appeared on Project CyberShield.

Every day, people receive fake calls, suspicious emails, unknown links, and false payment requests. However, many scams look real and can easily confuse users. Cybercriminals also use AI voice scams, fake websites, and other tricks to gain trust. Therefore, learning about cyber fraud can help people spot warning signs and make safer choices online.

About the Cyber Fraud Session

Date: 1 August 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Mode: Online
Topic: Cyber Fraud Awareness
Organised by: Project CyberShield

About the Guest Speaker

Ms. Ananya Hada, Master Trainer at Project CyberShield, led the session. She shared practical examples and live demonstrations to explain common cyber threats. Moreover, her simple approach helped beginners and regular internet users understand how to stay safe online.

Why Cyber Fraud Matters

Cyber threats can affect anyone who uses a smartphone, social media, online banking, or digital payments. For example, scammers may use fake UPI screenshots, phishing emails, AI voice cloning, or SIM-related fraud. As a result, one careless action can lead to financial loss or privacy risks. Therefore, awareness remains an important part of digital safety.

Key Cyber Fraud Topics

Identifying Phishing Scams

Participants learned how to check sender details, suspicious links, spelling errors, and urgent messages. In addition, they were advised to verify websites before entering passwords or personal information.

SIM Safety and AI Voice Scams

The speaker demonstrated how the Sanchar Saathi portal can help users check registered SIM cards and report suspicious numbers. Meanwhile, the session explained AI voice scams and why users should verify urgent calls through trusted contacts.

Strong Passwords and Account Security

Participants learned to create strong and unique passwords. Moreover, the session covered password managers and Multi-Factor Authentication. These extra steps can make accounts harder for scammers to access.

Financial Fraud and Cybercrime Reporting

The workshop used fake UPI payment screenshots to explain common payment scams. Therefore, participants were reminded to check their bank records instead of trusting screenshots. In addition, they learned to preserve evidence and report cybercrime through official channels.

Important Cyber Fraud Safety Tips

• First, verify suspicious emails, links, and websites.
• Next, use strong passwords and enable Multi-Factor Authentication.
• Also, avoid sharing unnecessary personal information online.
• In addition, check your bank account before trusting payment screenshots.
• Finally, preserve evidence and report cyber fraud quickly.

Audience Interaction During the Cyber Fraud Session

The session included live demonstrations, practical examples, and interactive discussions. Moreover, participants asked questions about phishing, online payments, SIM safety, and AI voice scams. As a result, these discussions helped connect cyber safety lessons with everyday digital situations.

Watch the Full Cyber Fraud Session

The complete workshop recording is available on YouTube. There, viewers can revisit the demonstrations and learn practical ways to identify scams and protect their accounts.

Building Safer Digital Habits

Cybersecurity is not only about technology. Instead, it also depends on the choices we make every day. For example, checking messages, protecting passwords, and reporting suspicious activity can reduce risk. Ultimately, these simple habits can help people become safer and more confident digital users.

Want to explore more cybersecurity awareness activities? Visit our Blogs to discover more campaigns and events. You can also visit our Naksh Foundation to learn about all the initiatives we undertake.

The post Cyber Fraud: Stay Safe from Online Scams first appeared on Project CyberShield.

A cyberattack can happen without warning. Sometimes, it starts with one careless click. At other times, an account may get hacked. However, knowing what to do next can reduce the damage. This is where cyber resilience becomes important. It helps people prepare for cyber incidents, respond calmly, recover safely, and learn from the experience.

About the Cyber Resilience Session

Topic: Cyber Resilience
Data : 31July 2026
Session: CyberShakti Cohort 2, Day 5
Mode: Online
Organised by: Project CyberShield

About the Guest Speaker

Mr. Jay Thakur, Master Trainer at Project CyberShield, led the session. He shared practical ideas to help participants build safer digital habits. Moreover, he explained how people can respond to cyber incidents with greater confidence.

Why Cyber Resilience Matters

Cyber resilience is not only about preventing attacks. It also means knowing how to respond when something goes wrong. For example, users may face scams, hacked accounts, or other online threats. Therefore, staying calm and following the right steps can help limit the impact. Over time, these habits can also prepare people for future incidents.

Key Cyber Resilience Topics

Responding to Cyber Incidents

Participants learned how to respond when they face a cyber incident. First, they should stay calm and understand what happened. Next, they should secure affected accounts and report the incident through the right channel.

Digital Wellbeing and Cyber Psychology

The session also covered digital wellbeing and cyber psychology. In particular, participants learned how fear, stress, and urgency can affect online decisions. As a result, staying calm can help people avoid rushed or unsafe actions.

Protecting Children and Senior Citizens

Children and senior citizens may face different online risks. Therefore, families and communities should guide them and encourage safe digital habits. In addition, awareness can help them recognise suspicious messages, calls, and links.

Building Cyber Awareness

The session highlighted the need for cyber awareness in schools, colleges, workplaces, and communities. Moreover, clear communication can help people understand cyber risks and share useful safety practices.

Creating a Personal Cyber Safety Plan

Participants were encouraged to create a personal cyber safety plan. This can include strong passwords, account security, trusted contacts, reporting steps, and privacy checks. As a result, users can respond faster when a problem occurs.

Important Cyber Resilience Takeaways

• First, stay alert and respond quickly to cyber incidents.
• Next, protect children and senior citizens from online risks.
• Also, build strong and simple cyber safety habits.
• In addition, communicate cyber risks clearly.
• Finally, prepare a personal plan before an incident happens.

Audience Interaction During the Cyber Resilience Session

The session encouraged participants to think about real situations they may face online. Moreover, practical discussions helped them understand how preparation can improve their response. As a result, participants gained a clearer view of their role in creating safer digital communities.

Watch the Full Cyber Resilience Session

The complete session is available on YouTube. There, viewers can learn more about cyber resilience, digital wellbeing, cyber psychology, and practical safety habits.

Building Stronger Digital Communities

Cyber safety is not only about knowing what can go wrong. It is also about knowing what to do when it happens. Therefore, building cyber resilience can help people respond with confidence and recover from online incidents. Ultimately, these skills can help create safer digital communities.

Want to explore more cybersecurity awareness activities? Visit our Blogs to discover more campaigns and events. You can also visit our Naksh Foundation to learn about all the initiatives we undertake.

The post Cyber Resilience: Stay Safe in a Digital World first appeared on Project CyberShield.

AI deepfakes are changing how people experience digital content. Today, criminals can use artificial intelligence to make fake videos, cloned voices, and realistic messages. As a result, it can be hard to spot these scams. In addition, fake content can make people question what they see and hear online. Therefore, learning about AI deepfakes can help people protect their information and make safer choices online.

About the AI Deepfakes Session

Session Title: AI Deepfakes and Emerging Cyber Threats
Date: 27 July 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Mode: Online (Zoom)
Series: CyberShakti Cohort 2 , Day-1
Organised by: Project CyberShield

About the Guest Speaker

The session was led by Ms. Shivani Chitukula, an AI Systems Expert at HSBC. She shared practical insights into AI-based cyber threats. In addition, she explained how criminals can misuse AI to deceive people. She also shared simple ways to spot these risks and stay safe online

Why AI Deepfakes Matter Today

AI scams can look and sound very real. Because of this, people may find it hard to tell real content from fake content. Moreover, these scams can target social media users, online banking customers, and other digital users. For this reason, learning how to spot fake content is now an important digital skill. At the same time, checking information before trusting it can help people avoid AI-based scams.

Key AI Deepfakes and Cybersecurity Topics Discussed

Understanding AI in Cybersecurity

The speaker explained how AI can support cybersecurity. At the same time, she discussed how criminals can misuse the technology to create new threats. This showed participants why responsible AI use matters.

Deepfakes and AI Scams

The session covered deepfake videos, voice cloning, phishing, and social engineering. For example, participants learned how criminals can use fake voices or videos to gain trust. They also learned how to spot common warning signs and avoid suspicious requests.

Responsible AI Usage

Participants learned how to use AI tools safely and responsibly. Moreover, they learned why protecting personal information is important. Before sharing AI-generated content, users should also check whether the information is accurate and trustworthy.

Important AI Deepfakes Safety Tips

• First, verify suspicious videos, messages, and calls.
• Never share sensitive information without checking the source.
• Use AI tools responsibly and ethically.
• Stay informed about new cyber threats.
• When something seems unusual, pause and verify it.

Audience Interaction During the AI Deepfakes Session

The session included practical examples, discussions, and questions from participants. During the session, participants discussed ways to spot fake content and avoid AI-based scams. In addition, these discussions helped them connect the topic with situations they may face online. As a result, participants gained a clearer understanding of the risks linked to AI.

Watch the Full AI Deepfakes Session

The complete session is available on Naksh Foundation’s YouTube channel. You can watch the discussion to learn more about AI deepfakes, emerging cyber threats, and practical ways to stay safe online.

Building Safer Digital Habits in the Age of AI

AI will continue to develop, and new risks may appear along with it. However, awareness can help people make safer choices. By learning how deepfakes and AI scams work, users can better protect themselves online. Ultimately, responsible digital habits can help create a safer online community.

Want to explore more cybersecurity awareness activities? Blogs to discover more campaigns and events, or visit our Naksh Foundation to learn about all the initiatives we undertake.

The post AI Deepfakes: Cyber Threats and Online Safety first appeared on Project CyberShield.

With students spending more time on smartphones, social media, and online learning platforms, understanding cyber safety has become more important than ever. Therefore, building awareness at a young age helps students recognize online risks and develop safe digital habits. Moreover, it empowers them to make informed decisions while using digital technologies. As a result, students become more confident and responsible digital citizens.

About ZPHS, Lingampally Village

The campaign was held at ZPHS (Zilla Parishad High School), Lingampally Village, where enthusiastic students actively participated throughout the session.

Cyber Safety Awareness Campaign Details

Date: 3 August 2026
Location: ZPHS, Lingampally Village
Audience: School Students
Duration: Approximately 2 Hours
Topic: Cyber Awareness

Key Cyber Safety Topics Discussed During the Session

During the session, students learned about phishing scams, password security, cyberbullying, online privacy, social media safety, and safe browsing practices. In addition, they were taught how to identify suspicious links and protect their personal information. Furthermore, practical examples helped them understand common online threats. As a result, students gained the knowledge and confidence to use the internet more safely and responsibly.

How the Cyber Safety Awareness Session Was Conducted

The campaign included an engaging awareness talk, interactive discussions, practical examples, and a lively question-and-answer session. Moreover, students actively participated throughout the program with great enthusiasm. As a result, the session became both educational and enjoyable. Overall, the interactive activities encouraged students to learn, ask questions, and apply cyber safety practices in their daily lives.

Essential Cyber Safety Lessons Students Learned

Students understood the importance of using strong passwords, protecting personal information, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting online threats to trusted adults.

Volunteer Experience During the Cyber Safety Campaign

The experience was truly heartwarming. The students were incredibly interactive, curious, and eager to learn. Their thoughtful questions reflected genuine interest in cyber safety. As a memorable gesture, many students shared friendship bands with the volunteers and warmly walked with them to the school gate to say goodbye, making the campaign an unforgettable experience.

Why Cyber Safety Awareness Matters for Students

Cyber awareness empowers young users to make safer online choices. As a result, it reduces the risk of scams, cyberbullying, and identity theft. Moreover, it encourages responsible digital citizenship and helps students use the internet with greater confidence. Ultimately, these skills prepare young users to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Top Cyber Safety Tips Every Student Should Remember

• Think before clicking unknown links.
• Never share passwords or OTPs.
• Keep personal information private.
• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Report suspicious online activity.

Building a Safer Digital Future Through Cyber Safety Awareness

Small lessons in cyber safety can create lifelong digital responsibility. Through initiatives like Project CyberShield, schools and communities can work together to build a safer and more informed digital future for every student.

Want to learn more about our mission and community initiatives? Visit the Naksh Foundation↗ and also Blogs↗ to explore our projects, impact stories, and upcoming awareness programs.

The post Empowering Cyber Awareness Campaign at ZPHS, Lingampally first appeared on Project CyberShield.

The session, titled “From Curiosity to Compromise: How Users Fall Into Cybercrime,” wasn’t just another safety lecture with a list of do’s and don’ts. It was something more unsettling and more useful an honest look at the psychology behind why people fall for scams, and what we can do about it.

People who fall for cyber scams are not stupid. They are manipulated. – Mr. Tarun S.

Why Awareness Alone Isn’t Enough to Protect You From Cybercrime

Mr. Tarun opened by doing something refreshingly candid he admitted that even he, someone who teaches cyber law, has come close to falling for a cyber attack. That honesty set the tone for the entire session. Cybercrime, he argued, is not primarily a technology problem. It is a human psychology problem.

He asked participants a simple question: if you received a phone call from someone claiming to be from your bank, alerting you to a suspicious transaction and asking for your details to stop it what would you do? Almost everyone in the room said they would cut the call. And yet, this exact scenario plays out thousands of times a day across India, and countless people hand over their OTPs, account numbers, and personal data without blinking.

Why? The answer has a name: cognitive overload.

Cognitive Overload

The state in which a person’s mental bandwidth is so stretched by work, stress, distraction, or urgency that they cannot process new information rationally. This is precisely the state cyber criminals engineer before they strike.

Think about the last time you were in the middle of a deadline, juggling tasks, fielding messages and then your phone rang. In that fractured state of attention, your capacity for critical thinking shrinks dramatically. A skilled scammer doesn’t need you to be gullible. They just need to catch you when your mind is elsewhere.

There is also research to back this up. A widely cited Stanford study found that most cyberattacks are deliberately timed for Friday evenings. The reason is calculated: it’s the end of the workweek, people are mentally depleted, and crucially banks are closed for the next two days. Furthermore it gives fraudsters a 48-hour window before any financial institution can respond or help.

The Foundation of Cybercrime Awareness: What Is Social Engineering?

Before diving into the specific types of attacks, Mr. Tarun grounded everyone in the concept that underlies almost all of them: social engineering.

In cybersecurity, social engineering refers to the art of manipulating people into revealing confidential information or taking actions that compromise their own security. It is not about breaking into systems through code. It is about breaking into people through conversation, trust, and carefully constructed pressure.

The attacker builds a believable identity. They use pieces of your real information your name, your bank’s name, the last four digits of your account number, to establish credibility. Then they manufacture urgency. Then they offer to help. By the time they ask for anything from you, you’ve already mentally placed them in the category of “trusted”.

That architecture of manipulation is the starting point for every cyber scam that follows.

Six Social Engineering Attacks You Need to Recognise

Mr. Tarun walked through six of the most common and most dangerous forms of social engineering attacks used by cybercriminals. Each one felt familiar once explained, which made the lesson hit harder.

Each of these attack types has been responsible for real, devastating losses, financial, reputational, and emotional. The 2011 Operation Trident Tribunal, led by the FBI with participation from the UK and Australia, revealed a gang that had sold USD 72 million worth of fake security software to unsuspecting users worldwide. That is the scale of what scareware can achieve when it finds the right targets at the right moment.

The Problem Nobody Talks About: Sextortion and Fake Profiles

One of the most difficult topics raised in the session and one that is becoming increasingly common is the use of fake profiles for emotional manipulation and extortion. Participants described scenarios in which someone befriends a target online, builds intimacy over time, and then uses shared private images or conversations as blackmail. Sometimes the profile was entirely fabricated. Sometimes a group of people collaborated to create it.

This kind of crime sits at the intersection of cyber fraud and emotional abuse, and its consequences are severe not only financially, but in terms of mental health and personal dignity. Mr. Tarun’s point here was firm: the victim is never at fault. The manipulation is designed to be convincing. What matters is knowing where to report it and acting quickly.

He also flagged the growing risk on matrimonial and dating platforms. The promise of connection is one of the most effective baits in existence, and cyber criminals exploit it with precision.

AI-Driven Cybercrime: The Emerging Threat

One of the most forward-looking moments of the session came when participants raised the issue of AI-driven cyberattacks. Artificial intelligence is rapidly lowering the barrier for scammers. Voice cloning, deepfake video, AI-generated phishing emails that are grammatically flawless these are no longer science fiction. They are tools being deployed right now.

Mr. Tarun acknowledged this candidly: the same technologies being built to protect people are being weaponised against them. Vigilance needs to evolve in tandem with the threats. Understanding what is real in a digital communication whether a voice, an image, or a message is becoming one of the most important skills of modern life.

Your Digital Footprint Is Permanent So Manage It

A recurring theme throughout the session was the concept of the digital footprint every comment you make, every location you tag, every “like” you leave, every photograph you post. Some of this is active (things you consciously share); some is passive (data collected without your direct awareness). Together, they paint a detailed portrait of who you are, where you live, what you do, and what you care about.

Cyber criminals don’t need sophisticated hacking tools to learn a great deal about you. Your public Instagram account especially if you’re a content creator or influencer can tell someone your daily routine, your home neighbourhood, your financial habits, and your emotional vulnerabilities. The session wasn’t a call to quit social media. It was a call to be deliberate about what you share, and to regularly audit what’s publicly visible about you.

India’s recent legislation, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023, introduces important new rights, including the right to erasure (sometimes called the “right to be forgotten”). But law takes time. The most immediate protection you have is your own awareness and restraint.

What You Can Do? Seven Practical Steps

1. Never open suspicious emails: Even opening a phishing email, without clicking anything, can sometimes expose you. Delete anything that feels off, without engaging.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): It adds friction for attackers even if they have your password. Write down your backup codes somewhere safe if you struggle to remember them.
3. Be sceptical of tempting offers: If something seems remarkably generous a freebie, a reward, a deal that needs “just your details” pause. That pause can save you.
4. Audit your social media regularly: Limit personal information on public profiles. Be mindful of location, routine, and anything that could be used to build a profile of you.
5. Discard sensitive documents properly: Tear up or shred anything with account numbers, addresses, or personal identifiers before disposing of it. Dumpster diving is real.
6. Keep all devices updatedSoftware updates aren’t just about new features, they contain critical security patches. This applies to your parents’ phones too.
7. Back up your data regularly: Regular backups protect you from ransomware and accidental loss. Automate it so it requires no effort.

If It Happens to You Report It

In addition to above tips, Mr. Tarun emphasised was this: report it. Cybercrime is massively under-reported, partly because victims feel embarrassed, partly because the process seems daunting. But reporting matters both for your own case and to help identify patterns that protect others.

Closing Thought: The Goal Isn’t Fear, It’s Fluency

The first episode of Cyber Sunday didn’t aim to make anyone paranoid about the internet. It aimed to make participants fluent in how digital threats actually work, fluent enough to recognise them, name them, and resist them. That fluency begins with understanding that cybercrime is fundamentally about people, not technology. It exploits trust, urgency, distraction, and loneliness. And the most powerful counter-measure to all of those is awareness.

Project Cyber Shield believes that every person who learns to protect themselves online can protect dozens of others around them family members, friends, colleagues who may never attend a session like this one. That is the mission. And Episode 1 was a strong beginning.

The post CS EP01: From Curiosity to Compromise – How Users Fall Into Cybercrime first appeared on Project CyberShield.

Project CyberShield, an initiative of Naksh Foundation, participated with a focused goal: to deliver practical, ground-level cybercrime awareness to everyday internet users. Cybercrime is no longer limited to technical users or rare cases. It affects students, working professionals, and families alike. Scammers today rely on human behavior more than technology. This makes awareness the first and most effective line of defence. At VolFest 2026, the CyberShield team worked to simplify this understanding for the general public.

Direct Public Engagement during VolFest’26: Making Cyber Risks Understandable

Instead of formal lectures, the team interacted directly with citizens visiting the stall. Conversations were built around real-life situations that people could immediately relate to.

Key cyber threats explained included:

• Phishing Scams: Fake links and messages designed to steal personal data
• Vishing Calls: Fraud calls creating panic to extract sensitive information
• Digital Arrest Scams: Impersonation of authorities to threaten victims
• Social Media Frauds: Fake profiles and manipulated interactions
• Social engineering: A manipulation technique that exploits human psychology and error
• Privacy settings: Tools within websites, apps, and devices that allow users to control who can view their personal information, activity, and profile.
• Understanding VPN (Virtual Private Network): A security technology that creates an encrypted, private tunnel between your device and the internet.
• Risks of Public Wi-Fi: Hackers steal personal data, banking credentials, and, at times, deliver malicious software to connected devices.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A security framework requiring users to verify their identity with two or more independent credentials before accessing accounts.
• Reporting Mechanism: helpline number 1930 & cybercrime.gov.in

The approach was clear help people identify patterns, not just definitions.

Interactive Games for Cyber Awareness

One of the most effective strategies used at the stall was game based learning. Visitors participated in simple, scenario-based games that reflected real cybercrime situations. While playing, they were guided through decision-making moments, whether to click a link, trust a caller, or share information.

Impact of This Approach VolFest’26 :

• Increased engagement and curiosity
• Better understanding of cyber risks
• Stronger recall through practical experience

This method ensured that awareness was not passive. People learned by doing.

Nukkad Natak: Street Play on Cybercrime Awareness

A major highlight of the event was the Nukkad Natak performed by the CyberShield team. The street play showcased real-world cybercrime scenarios, including phishing, vishing, digital arrest scams, and frauds through social media. It demonstrated how scammers manipulate emotions such as fear and urgency to control victims.

Key Takeaways from the Performance at VolFest’26 :

• Understanding how scams unfold step by step
• Identifying early warning signs
• Knowing the correct reporting mechanisms

This format made complex issues accessible and memorable for a diverse audience.

Volunteers Behind the Initiative

The success of CyberShield’s participation was driven by a committed team of volunteers who ensured both engagement and impact on the ground. The team was led by Divya Mehra and Ranjeet Kumar, with Samuel and Jay Kishan serving as the team coordinator. They were actively supported by volunteers Harsha & Abhishek raj.

Other volunteers participated during the event are Noorish, Divya Chauhan, Anjali Rai, Aryan, Chandan Kumar, Priya, Manisha, Ambuj, Mishab, Kumkum, and Sundaram whose collective efforts played a key role in effectively reaching and educating participants during the event.

Their role ensured consistent engagement and effective communication with every visitor.

Key Outcomes of CyberShield at VolFest 2026

• Direct engagement with a diverse public audience
• Increased awareness of common cybercrime techniques
• Improved understanding of preventive digital practices
• Strong recall through interactive and performance-based learning

The Road Ahead

The experience at VolFest 2026 reinforced a critical insight cyber awareness must move beyond structured sessions and reach people in their everyday environments. Project CyberShield will continue expanding its outreach through on-ground activities, institutional collaborations, and community engagement programs.

Conclusion

Cybercrime is evolving rapidly, but awareness can evolve faster. Initiatives like Project CyberShield demonstrate that when awareness is practical, interactive, and accessible, it creates real impact. VolFest 2026 was not just an event, it was a step toward building a more informed and cyber-secure community.

The post CyberShield at VolFest’26: Protecting People Before They Become Victims first appeared on Project CyberShield.

With this concern in mind, Project CyberShield, an initiative of Naksh Foundation, conducted a Cyber Safety and Awareness Outreach Program at Gurugram University. The goal was simple. Start a real conversation with students about cyber safety and responsible digital behaviour.

Why This Outreach Matters

Students are among the most active internet users. From online payments to social media, almost every part of student life now depends on digital platforms. What really matters is understanding the risks that come with it. During the outreach, the CyberShield team explained how small mistakes online can lead to serious consequences. A fake job link, a phishing email, or a suspicious payment request can quickly turn into financial or identity fraud.

What Students Learned

The session focused on practical awareness rather than theory. The discussion covered:

• How phishing and online scams actually work
• Ways to identify fake websites, messages, and suspicious links
• Protecting personal information on social media
• Safe digital habits every student should follow
• How to report cybercrime through official mechanisms in India

Instead of just presenting slides, the team encouraged students to speak, ask questions, and share their own experiences with suspicious online activities.

A Conversation, Not Just a Session

What made the outreach meaningful was the interaction. Students openly discussed how often they receive unknown links, fraud calls, or fake offers online. Many realized that cybercrime is not a distant issue. It is something that can affect anyone using a smartphone.

The CyberShield volunteers guided them on simple preventive steps that can make a big difference in staying safe online.

Moving the Mission Forward

Outreach programs like this are part of the broader mission of Project CyberShield building a culture of cyber awareness among young people. Universities are important spaces for this effort because informed students often become the first people to spread awareness in their homes, communities, and peer groups.

The team of Naksh Foundation will continue conducting similar awareness sessions across institutions, encouraging students to stay alert, informed, and responsible in the digital world.

Because cyber safety is not just a technical issue.
It is a matter of awareness. And awareness begins with conversation.

The post Cyber Safety Takes the Stage at Gurugram University first appeared on Project CyberShield.