Cyber Security Has To Be Chai Pe Charcha: Rakshit Tandon

Hyderabad: The FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) Hyderabad organised a highly informative session on cyber awareness titled #Hackproof – Stay Safe Online at The Park, Necklace Road.

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In her opening remarks, Ms. Prathibha Kunda, Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad, said: “Here’s the scary truth: every 39 seconds, a cyberattack happens somewhere in the world. One click on the wrong link, one careless share of personal information, one weak password… and suddenly, the security we take for granted can be shaken. In today’s reality, firewalls are the new locks, passwords are the new keys, and vigilance is the only true security.”

Timely reporting is key said Shikha Goel, Director, Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB). She emphasised that cyber fraud is inevitable, but vigilance can reduce risks: The victims must report fraud within the “Golden Hour” by calling 1930 (Cyber Helpline) or visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in.Telangana Police has already blocked 43,000 SIMs, 14,000 IMEIs, and 8,000 URLs used by fraudsters, she shared. 

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Giving information about police efforts, she said last year, ₹292 crore was refunded to victims.

India lost ₹24,000 crore to cyber fraud in 2024, with ₹1,900 crore lost in Telangana alone.

She also explained scams like call forwarding fraud, where victims are tricked into dialling special codes that silently forward calls and OTPs to criminals. “Citizens must learn how to deactivate such forwarding features on their phones. Awareness is the best defence,” she said.

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Cybersecurity has to be an everyday talk, said Rakshit Tandon, who taught 70 lakh children on cybersecurity in India.  Renowned cyber expert Rakshit Tandon, who works closely with the police forces of 18 states, made a strong case for making cyber awareness a household conversation: “Cybersecurity has to be a chai pe charcha subject. Most victims I see are well-educated people, never the illiterate. Why? Because greed blinds them. Use common sense—before you click, before you share, before you pay.”

Mr. Tandon urged citizens to adopt basic cyber hygiene, such as the following:

1. Use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly.
2. Enable multi-factor authentication on critical accounts.
3. Do not click on unknown links or attachments.
4. Verify before sharing personal data, photos, or money.
5. Educate children and elders, who are often the most vulnerable.

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He introduced the audience to the concept of “data weaponisation”: “Data is no longer just information; it is a weapon. When collected, manipulated, or misused, it can be turned against individuals, organisations, or even nations—to exploit, influence, or control.”

He offered the simple yet powerful following practical tips to Stay Hack-Proof

• To deactivate call forwarding, dial ##002# on your phone.
• To check if your calls are being forwarded, dial *#21#; to disable, use ##21#.
• Avoid free public Wi-Fi, never use simple passwords like “12345,” and always call back unknown numbers instead of answering them directly.
• Instead of banning social media for children, make them cyber-wise through awareness and guidance.

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