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AkanchaSrivastavaFoundation #CyberSafety Event Mumbai

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

‘Akancha Srivastava Foundation’ leads India’s largest social impact initiative for cyber safety. It was founded in February 2017. It’s a not-for-profit Section 8 organization.

Honorary Board of Advisors

Foundation’s advisory board hosts – Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chattisgarh), ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh), ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra), Dr Poonam Verma (Principal- SSCBS, Delhi University)

Mission of the Foundation

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities on matters of cyber safety. Foundation also conducts forensics training for law enforcement.

The post 🎥 Cybersecurity Uncovered: Experts Share Crucial Tips! #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

DON’T FALL FOR THIS INSTAGRAM VOTING SCAM! #ASF

Akancha Srivastava — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 08:06:35 +0000

DON’T FALL FOR THIS INSTAGRAM VOTING SCAM! #ASF

🚨 **INSTAGRAM VOTING FRAUD ALERT!**

🚨 Cybercriminals are preying on our impatience, urgency, and multitasking habits — and one of their latest tricks is **Instagram Voting Fraud**. It looks innocent: A friend, family member, or colleague messages you asking for a quick favor — “Vote for me in this contest!” Sounds harmless, right? But one wrong click could cost you **your account, your data, or even your money**

Here’s how it works:

👉 You get a DM from someone you know.

👉 They ask you to click a link or provide an OTP.

👉 You think, “It’s just a vote, I’ll do it quickly.”

👉 **Boom! You’re hooked.

** Your Instagram account could get hacked, your personal info stolen, or your phone’s data locked with a ransom demand.

**How to Stay Safe:**

✅ **Don’t rush.** Take a breath and think before you click.

✅ **Call or verify** with the person who sent you the request.

✅ **Never share OTPs** — even if it looks like it’s from a friend.

✅ **Turn off unnecessary notifications** so you can stay focused and avoid panic-driven decisions.

Cybercriminals are counting on you to act fast. But you’re smarter than that. Slow down, verify, and **stay cyber safe**. 💡 Found this helpful? Hit the **LIKE** button, **SUBSCRIBE** for weekly cyber safety tips, and **SHARE** this video to protect your friends and family from scams like this. Let’s create a safer online community together!

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

Email: TeamAkancha@gmail.com

Twitter: @AkanchaS https://twitter.com/AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas https://www.instagram.com/akanchas/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akanchasrivastava1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akanchasrivastava/

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

‘Akancha Srivastava Foundation’ leads India’s largest social impact initiative for cyber safety. It was founded in February 2017. It’s a not-for-profit Section 8 organization. Honorary Board of Advisors Foundation’s advisory board hosts – Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chattisgarh), ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh), ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra), Dr Poonam Verma (Principal- SSCBS, Delhi University)

Mission of the Foundation

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities on matters of cyber safety. Foundation also conducts forensics training for law enforcement.

The post DON’T FALL FOR THIS INSTAGRAM VOTING SCAM! #ASF appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

YOU ARE INVITED! JOIN US FOR A CYBER SAFETY DISCUSSION WITH EXPERTS

Akancha Srivastava — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:06:01 +0000

YOU ARE INVITED! JOIN US FOR A CYBER SAFETY DISCUSSION WITH EXPERTS

Inviting you to an open discussion on staying safe from everyday cyber threats and familiarizing with processes. Share your concerns with us, let the experts answer

All are welcome. Definitely get your family, kids along!

PS – we are doing this at one of the nicest bookstores in Mumbai #TitleWaves

Please support local bookstores, they are shrinking fast. Buy from them, take young kids there.

The post YOU ARE INVITED! JOIN US FOR A CYBER SAFETY DISCUSSION WITH EXPERTS appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

REJECT THAT GIFT! #AAH

Akancha Srivastava — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:25:00 +0000

REJECT THAT GIFT! #AAH

We love gifts, we love being celebrated. I was away on my birthday this year, when I got back there were so many gifts waiting for me and it instantly made me feel so happy, celebrated, loved. I quickly opened each one and carefully checked the senders for all. Checked out, every single one from people I knew. Cos if there was any from someone I didn’t recognize, I would immediately report & trash it.

Lets understand why. Many reasons but lets explore top few.

There’s a new scam where criminals are sending these gifts anonymously, sometimes even packaged in reputed online store packaging. There is a whole video on my channel explaining how our data is being leaked by various sources whether our watchmen, online store employees, warehouse workers and others.

These criminals zero in on most vulnerable victims and send these gifts. When you receive them, you are happy & curious to know the sender. There will be a QR code inside the box & a message asking you to scan that code to reveal your mystery admirer.

If you fall for this trap and scan the code or that code takes you to another link which you click, it could very well be tata, okay, bye bye to your information, bank accounts, loss of reputation, social profiles…everything awful you can think of.

It could also be physically dangerous to accept unexpected gifts. Someone could send you life threatening stuff that might explode, poison, we just don’t know.

Additionally, if the delivery person behaves annoyed and says that if you don’t accept the gift, he will generate an OTP that will be sent to you which is needed by him. Under any circumstances, do not do so. Again, same threats. Clearly refuse and tell him he can do as he likes, close the door immediately. You can speak to customer service of the online site if package displays one and share your concern.

Remember that not every gift is good news.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

CONTACT US:

Website: www.AkanchaSrivastava.Org

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

‘Akancha Srivastava Foundation’ leads India’s largest social impact initiative for cyber safety. It was founded in February 2017. It’s a not-for-profit Section 8 organization.

Honorary Board of Advisors

Mission of the Foundation

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities on matters of cyber safety. Foundation also conducts forensics training for law enforcement.

The post REJECT THAT GIFT! #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

FAKE UPI SCAMS! #AAH

Akancha Srivastava — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:11:08 +0000

FAKE UPI SCAMS! #AAH

Another day, another scam- fake UPI apps to trick people. People are losing money, stressed out, wondering how they fell for such trickery.

How does this scam work? Simple. If you run a small business or even if someone owes you money, they say alright give me your QR Code and I am transferring the amount right away. Their body language, their behaviour, attire, everything looks normal, nothing to suspect.

They scan your UPI QR code, quickly enter some PIN, there is also that flash notification on their screen, they show you the success screen, you hear the success notification sound. You look at their screen and it does infact look like the authentic app.

Now, here is the catch, you don’t get the payment though. Then the scammer pretends that they are getting late. They tell you that they are getting late, will even offer their phone number that if

you don’t receive the money, you can call them. Network issues will get blamed or service issues.

Quite often, people are okay with this explanation and let the scammer go. And you also say bye bye to your money cos its never ever coming to you!

There are 100s of Telegram channels where such fake UPI Apps- GPay, Paytm, Phone Pe, you name it- their CLONES are available for few 100 Rs. You install these on your phone and game on! You can scam multiple people in a day!

Staying safe from this scam is fairly easy though. Do not allow anyone to leave unless you see the money transferred in your bank, wallet, hear it on soundbox. Zero exceptions.

Trust is good, surety Is better.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

CONTACT US:

Website: www.AkanchaSrivastava.Org

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/net-safety.html#:~:text=Follow%20the%20family%20rules%2C%20and,(other%20than%20with%20parents).

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

‘Akancha Srivastava Foundation’ leads India’s largest social impact initiative for cyber safety. It was founded in February 2017. It’s a not-for-profit Section 8 organization.

Honorary Board of Advisors

Mission of the Foundation

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities on matters of cyber safety. Foundation also conducts forensics training for law enforcement.

The post FAKE UPI SCAMS! #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Do You Have Safe Internet Use Rules For Your Family? #AAH

Akancha Srivastava — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 03:33:42 +0000

Do You Have Safe Internet Use Rules For Your Family? #AAH

Mohit S Chauhan is a senior banker and he shares his concerns about internet use within family. Please do listen as these could be relevant to your loved ones too. For example, he speaks of his fears about crimes against children online or how elderly parents are using technology today.

His own personal phone usage Mohit says, has gone up dramatically. But, as an aware digital user he measures the time spent online and makes every attempt to curb it where possible. Do you have mindful apps to do the same?

In a very balanced, very sensible, heartfelt talk, Mohit makes some important points about mindful use of technology like allowing children to get bored cos who said getting bored is bad? As he said, some of the most creative sparks are ignited when in isolation/ silence! That’s when a child might get motivated to paint, read a book, play sports or simply spend time with family.

Do tell us which of the points made by Mohit resonate with you the most.

Here are a few links that you might find helpful:

https://www.washtrust.com/blog/50-internet-safety-tips-for-2023

There are many other videos on our channel which you could watch regarding safety of parents & children online. If there is a topic you would like to learn more about, please do share your suggestions.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA AGAINST HARASSMENT’

‘Akancha Against Harassment’ is India’s largest social impact initiative against cyber harassment. It was founded by Miss Akancha Srivastava in February 2017. It’s a not-for-profit Section 8 organization.

Honorary Board of advisors

Goals of this initiative

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities.

Support of the Indian Police for the initiative

Bridging is the most unique attribute of the initiative. We have a host of over 70+ senior police officers from across the country supporting us in content & awareness drive.

This unique strength helps us address any victim complaints that come to us as well as inform people about various measures of law enforcement across the country.

Multilingual AI Chat helpline for cyber safety

We run India’s only private national multilingual AI chat helpline for cyber safety. This helpline is currently available in Hindi & English on our website. It can be accessed from any internet enabled device. You can chat here anonymously, fearlessly.

The post Do You Have Safe Internet Use Rules For Your Family? #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

DO NOT CHARGE PHONES AT FREE CHARGING STATIONS! #JUICEJACKING #AAH

Akancha Srivastava — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 13:33:43 +0000

DO NOT CHARGE PHONES AT FREE CHARGING STATIONS! #JUICEJACKING #AAH

“Juice jacking is a theoretical type of compromise of devices like smartphones and tablets which use the same cable for charging and data transfer, typically a USB cable. The goal of the attack is to either install malware on the device, or to surreptitiously copy potentially sensitive data.”

Immediately stop charging your phone at any free charging station s at public places like airports, bus or train stations where the USB cables are already pre attached to them. Carry your own charger & cord and use an electrical plug instead! Carry a power bank if needed. You can charge your power bank when needed.

Cyber attackers, these threat actors could have chips attached at the other end of this cable and as soon as you plug in that cable, it will charge your phone BUT could also begin transferring all your precious data to them. This could include almost everything passwords, media files, pictures, emails, banking information, social media account info, basically your entire DNA! This is called juice jacking!

It can also install malware, apps or software!

So no matter how desperate you are of your falling battery level, using the attached charging cable of stations at public places like malls, airports, railway stations are an absolute no no!

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

PS- We have also included relevant content from articles/posts available on the subject, online.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA AGAINST HARASSMENT’

Honorary Board of advisors

Goals of this initiative

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities.

Support of the Indian Police for the initiative

Bridging is the most unique attribute of the initiative. We have a host of over 65+ senior police officers from across the country supporting us in content & awareness drive.

This unique strength helps us address any victim complaints that come to us as well as inform people about various measures of law enforcement across the country.

Multilingual AI Chat helpline for cyber safety

The post DO NOT CHARGE PHONES AT FREE CHARGING STATIONS! #JUICEJACKING #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Protect Your Digital Footprint #AAH

Akancha Srivastava — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 03:37:30 +0000

Protect Your Digital Footprint #AAH

“Digital footprint in very simple terms means the trail of data you leave when using the internet. It includes websites you visit, emails you send, and information you submit online. A digital footprint can be used to track a person’s online activities and devices. Internet users create their digital footprint either actively or passively.”

Whenever you use the internet, you leave behind a trail of information known as your digital footprint. A digital footprint grows in many ways – for example, posting on social media, subscribing to a newsletter, leaving an online review, or shopping online.

Sometimes, it’s not always obvious that you are contributing to your digital footprint. For example, websites can track your activity by installing cookies on your device, and apps can collate your data without you knowing it. Once you allow an organization to access your information, they could sell or share your data with third parties. Worse still, your personal information could be compromised as part of a data breach.

Passive digital footprints

A passive digital footprint is created when information is collected about the user without them being aware that this is happening. For example, this occurs when websites collect information about how many times users visit, where they come from, and their IP address. This is a hidden process, which users may not realize is taking place. Other examples of passive footprints include social networking sites and advertisers using your likes, shares, and comments to profile you and target you with specific content.

Why do digital footprints matter?

Digital footprints matter because:

They are relatively permanent, and once the data is public – or even semi-public, as may be the case with Facebook posts – the owner has little control over how others will use it.
A digital footprint can determine a person’s digital reputation, which is now considered as important as their offline reputation.
Employers can check their potential employees’ digital footprints, particularly their social media, before making hiring decisions. Colleges and universities can check their prospective students’ digital footprints before accepting them too.
Words and photos which you post online can be misinterpreted or altered, causing unintentional offense.

Content intended for a private group can spread to a broader circle, potentially damaging relationships and friendships.
Cybercriminals can exploit your digital footprint – using it for purposes such as phishingfor account access or creating false identities based on your data.

So what are some of the specific dangers of a big online footprint?

It can reveal religious and political affiliations. Separate data points that aren’t significant by themselves — such as your favorite movies or bands — can reveal sensitive information, like your religious or political affiliation.
Your online reputation can be damaged. Old posts, photos, and videos can be taken out of context and end up damaging your reputation. Plus, some sites create their own internal rating systems based on your actions. For example, Facebook creates “trustworthiness scores” for certain users based on how likely those users are to share false information.
You could be turned down for a loan. Lenders often look at online information to determine if you’ll pay back a loan on time. But with a large digital footprint, they could be looking at irrelevant or old information.
You’ll get more spam emails and phone calls. Your information can be shared publicly or sold to third parties, which is one of the reasons you get spam emails and phone calls.
Potential employers get access to your personal (and outdated) info. A recent study showed that seven out of ten employers research applicants on social networking sites. And 57% rejected a candidate because of information they found online (but wouldn’t be able to legally ask about in an interview).
Criminals can exploit your personal information. Personal information from data breaches or that you post online is ideal for cybercriminals. With enough info, they can commit identity theft, extortion, bank scams, cyberbullying, or phishing.

For these reasons, it is worth considering what your digital footprint says about you. Many people try to manage their digital footprint by being cautious about their online activities to control the data that can be gathered in the first place.

Watch this video for important safety tips & avoid falling victim to serious cyber crimes.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe!

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

PS- we have compiled several of these tips from experts/ orgs on the internet.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA AGAINST HARASSMENT’

Honorary Board of advisors

Goals of this initiative

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities.

Support of the Indian Police for the initiative

Bridging is the most unique attribute of the initiative. We have a host of over 65+ senior police officers from across the country supporting us in content & awareness drive.

This unique strength helps us address any victim complaints that come to us as well as inform people about various measures of law enforcement across the country.

Multilingual AI Chat helpline for cyber safety

The post Protect Your Digital Footprint #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Vishing #AAH

Akancha Srivastava — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 04:00:35 +0000

Vishing

Vishing! #AAH

“Vishing is the fraudulent practice of making phone calls or leaving voice messages purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as bank details and credit card numbers.”

The fraudster calls the victim saying they are from their bank or another institution and informs them that there is a problem with their account or credit card. The false alert may also arrive by SMS initially, asking the person to call a number to resolve the issue.

Phishing over voice= Vishing

Vishing frequently occurs in the form of an urgent or disturbing phone call. For instance, the caller might claim that the victim’s account was hacked, and they require a PIN number to validate their identity or reopen the account. They may also claim to be calling on behalf of a government body, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Social Security Administration. They may even insist that the victim owes money or has won a contest.

The success of this tactic hinges on effective social engineering – i.e., exploiting one’s psychology to create a convincing effect. Vishing perpetrators employ either threats or positive persuasion to make victims feel that they have to supply the requested information. Victims may also be targeted through threatening voicemails, telling the receiver that they are at risk of being prosecuted or having their bank accounts frozen if they do not call back right away.

One of the reasons why these attacks can be persuasive is that fraudsters may utilize personal information obtained from other sources to make vishing attempts appear legitimate. They also duplicate phone numbers belonging to well-known businesses, making them seem real on incoming calls. They may even earn your trust and breach security systems by imitating contact center workers.

Watch this video for important safety tips & avoid falling victim to such frauds.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe!

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

PS- we have compiled several of these tips from experts/ orgs on the internet.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA AGAINST HARASSMENT’

Honorary Board of advisors

Foundation’s advisory board hosts – Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chattisgarh), ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh), Special IG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra), Dr Poonam Verma (Principal- SSCBS, Delhi University)

Goals of this initiative

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities.

Support of the Indian Police for the initiative

Bridging is the most unique attribute of the initiative. We have a host of over 65+ senior police officers from across the country supporting us in content & awareness drive.

This unique strength helps us address any victim complaints that come to us as well as inform people about various measures of law enforcement across the country.

Multilingual AI Chat helpline for cyber safety

The post Vishing #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Don’t Fall For Phishing Attacks #AAH

Akancha Srivastava — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 03:30:47 +0000

Don’t Fall For Phishing Attacks #AAH

“Phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information or data, such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication” Source- Wikipedia

Here are a few tips to help you stay safe & not become a phishing victim. Firstly, user name & addresses of emails you receive very carefully before clicking on them. Sometimes scammers might change just one letter in the name or address which you might miss in a hurry. If you click on such a fraudulent email or links within, you might become a phishing victim and your important information might get compromised.

Secondly, do not share any important information like your OTP or password on the phone. Scammers might lure you with promise of prizes, rewards. They might even scare you that if you don’t go through this process your account or wallet might get blocked. Please remember that no reputed financial institution will ever ask for such information on the phone. Don’t fall for this trap, don’t become a phishing victim.

Thirdly, update your system with latest spyware, anti-virus software so that they can detect any phishing attacks. Change your passwords often, it’s good cyber hygiene practice. Additionally, you should also close pop up ads by clicking on the cross sign on their right top corner (usually that’s where its located). This is another good practice to avoid becoming a phishing victim.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn: