DGP Shikha Goel Maam said to us in this Independence month that – “Years ago we broke the shackles to achieve independence for our country​. A​bout time we unshackle ourselves ​f​rom our prejudices, fears, biases and strive for true equality​.”

We agree with Maam and stay committed to working towards a safer, brighter future for our country. Great message for all those reading.

We also take this opportunity to congratulate Maam on being promoted to the DGP rank. Epitome of women empowerment, equality. Maam is now DGP CID, DGP Women Safety Wing Director TG Cyber Security Bureau & Director TG FSL – Telangana Police

You inspire us with your continued pursuit of excellence and service to the Nation. At ‘Akancha Srivastava Foundation’ we are glad to know & collaborate with Police Officers like yourself. Jai Hind.

The post DGP SHIKHA GOEL MAAM ON TRUE EQUALITY! #ASF appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

It’s the holiday season, end of a rather roller coaster year for a lot of people. And just like holiday season at the end of every year, there are a lot of people experiencing holiday blues especially when they look at the alleged picture perfect lives of others on social media which triggers emotions of loneliness, inadequacy, low self-worth, comparison.

Let’s see what can we do to address this holiday depression.

1. Acknowledge Social Media’s Distorted Reality

• Perception vs. Reality: Platforms like Instagram often present highly curated, filtered images of people’s lives, highlighting only the good moments, while ignoring struggles or mundane aspects. This can create a false perception that everyone else is constantly on vacation, having perfect relationships, or living an ideal life.
• Impact on Mental Health: This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and depression, particularly during holidays or weekends when people compare their lives to what they see online. It’s important to remember that social media is often a highlight reel, not a reflection of true, unfiltered reality.

2. Set Boundaries with Social Media

• Limit Time Spent on Platforms: Give yourself permission to disconnect for a period of time. Set specific boundaries, such as limiting social media usage to a set amount of time each day or logging off entirely over the weekend.
• Unfollow Accounts that Trigger Negative Emotions: Curate your feed so that it’s filled with positive, uplifting, or supportive content. Follow accounts that inspire self-love, personal growth, or offer authentic perspectives.
• Mute or Block Toxic Accounts: If certain accounts consistently make you feel bad about yourself, consider muting or blocking them to avoid unnecessary stress or negativity.

3. Practice Self-Compassion and Self-Awareness

• Avoid Comparisons: Everyone’s journey is unique. Try not to compare your life, achievements, or relationships to the curated images you see online. It’s okay to be at different stages, and your worth isn’t defined by the outward appearances of others.
• Reframe Negative Thoughts: When feelings of loneliness or inadequacy arise, challenge those thoughts. Reframe them by reminding yourself of your strengths, accomplishments, and the things that make you unique.
• Affirmations and Gratitude: Start your day by listing things you’re grateful for, no matter how small. Positive affirmations can help shift your mindset and improve your emotional resilience.

4. Focus on Real-Life Connections

• Quality Time with Loved Ones: Take time this weekend to connect with friends, family, or even pets. Being present with the people you care about can remind you of the support and love that exists in your real life, outside of the virtual world.
• Seek Out Social Support: If you’re feeling down or isolated, reach out to someone you trust. Sometimes, just talking to someone who understands can alleviate feelings of loneliness.
• Limit Perfectionism in Relationships: It’s important to recognize that not every relationship or moment needs to look perfect. Be open to the imperfections of your interactions, and prioritize quality time over superficial appearances.

5. Engage in Mindful Activities

• Practice Mindfulness: Take time each day to engage in mindfulness practices like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These activities can help center your mind, reduce anxiety, and enhance your emotional well-being.
• Spend Time in Nature: If possible, take a walk outside, go for a hike, or simply sit in a park. Nature has been shown to have a calming effect and can help reduce stress.
• Pursue Hobbies or Personal Interests: Focus on activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading, painting, cooking, or engaging in a creative pursuit. Doing something you love can help you disconnect from the pressures of social media and focus on your own well-being.

6. Recognize and Manage Holiday/Weekend Depression

• Acknowledge Holiday Stress: Holidays or weekends can sometimes bring up feelings of loneliness, depression, or anxiety, especially when social expectations are high. It’s okay to feel not so festive or to need space during these times.
• Plan Activities that Make You Feel Good: Choose activities that bring you comfort and joy, whether that’s watching a favorite movie, cooking a favorite meal, or simply relaxing at home.
• Allow Yourself to Rest: Don’t pressure yourself to have a busy weekend packed with activities or socializing. Rest and self-care are equally important, and taking time to relax can help prevent burnout.

7. Seek Professional Help if Needed

• Recognize the Need for Professional Support: If you find that social media is significantly impacting your mental health or if feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, or depression are overwhelming, it’s important to seek help. Therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals can provide valuable support.
• Online Counseling Options: Many services now offer online therapy, which can be a convenient way to access support from the comfort of your home.
• Conclusion:

In today’s digital age, where social media portrays an often-unrealistic view of life, it’s crucial to take active steps to protect our mental health. By setting boundaries with social media, practicing self-compassion, prioritizing real-life connections, and engaging in mindful activities, we can combat the feelings of loneliness and inadequacy that social media can sometimes trigger. Remember, it’s okay to have imperfect moments, and it’s important to take care of your emotional well-being—especially during times when societal pressures, like the weekend or holidays, are in full swing.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

CONTACT US:

Website: www.AkanchaSrivastava.Org

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 HOLIDAY BLUES? IT’S THE INSTAGRAM EFFECT! #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

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

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

Yes, teach your children to lie! For their own safety.

If anyone unknown asks your children online if their parents are home- answer should always be a RESOUNDING YES!! Infact my mom is always in the same room. Yes my parents have my passwords- responses should be standard. Nobody can know child is home alone.

If they are waiting for you to pick up outside a coaching class, sports center- ideally ask them to wait inside a building and come outside only when you arrive. If they are going into a building for a class/ tuition teach them to just say- oh my mom is waiting upstairs or my uncle lives here he’s waiting at the lift upstairs.

If kids are playing at a park and a stranger approach to ask if they are alone, teach them to say- no my parents are right here, even wave to someone else randomly and say they are my parents. If they feel uncomfortable shout loud that they are not my dad, not my mom!! If someone tries to befriend them at a mall, same loud behavior.

Also teach them to be wary of adults asking children for help. Adults should ideally not be asking a small child for help- can you help me to my car, can you take this to my doorstep please. Response- No, my mom is right there waiting and RUN!

It’s okay to speak lies and bringing back to my mantra for child safety- TEACH THEM CRITICAL THINKING. NOT EVERY ELDER IS A GOD AND NOT EVERYONE CAN BE TRUSTED JUST COS THEY ARE OLDER IN AGE.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

CONTACT US:

Website: www.AkanchaSrivastava.Org

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 TEACH KIDS TO LIE! #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

We recently did couple part video with ADG Vishwas Nangre Patil Sir, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Maharashtra Police. If you have not watched this already, please watch it right now, we have got so many messages, calls, emails saying that this video saved them from getting caught in a trap!

ADG Vishwas Nangre Patil Sir has already given the best explanation of Digital Detention Fraud. I am only repeating for your benefit what he has already said.

• Imagine if you suddenly received a call from someone posing as a senior police officer (could be a popular one who is often in the news), CBI, or ED saying that you are under investigation for narcotics activity or money laundering.
• The call could also be an IVR saying that you are under investigation for another illegal activity prompting you to press further numbers to proceed. Thereby it sounds extremely professional, doesn’t raise any suspicion
• You could also be informed that a FedEx parcel in your name containing drugs or illegal passports has been seized
• It’s extremely scary for the victim at the time as the person on the phone does sound authoritative, they will share their badge number to gain your confidence
• Victim could also be traumatized by the caller claiming that your child/ loved one is involved in gruesome crime and the only way out is to answer the questions truthfully.
• You are immediately put into “digital detention/ online arrest” where you are subjected to strict interrogation online via Skype or WhatsApp calls, even on video, about your alleged involvement in criminal activities
• If on Skype video, the set-up is elaborate, right from the display profile picture to the malicious actor’s uniform, it does indeed look like police official’s office. He/ She will also be signing files, asking someone to get your papers, receive a call or two to establish authenticity.
• With deepfake technology, they can look like any senior offices. All logos are properly in place like Maharashtra Police, Delhi Police etc.
• They know your Aadhar card details, bank account details and in some cases even your shares/ MF/ demat account details. You are instructed to immediately liquify your investments and transfer all the money in to an “RBI” account until the investigation concludes
• You are prohibited from stepping out of your home, isolated, forbidden from contacting anyone, making calls, talking to family members, attending office or even stepping away from range of cameras from which you are being monitored 24×7. You are literally a prisoner in those confines
• This trauma is carried on for a period of few days until you are a wreck from psychological pressure plus your shares/investments are liquified & deposited into your savings account
• The moment you transfer the money into so called third party/ RBI account for “safe keeping” for duration of investigation, you have lost your entire life’s savings! This money is actually gone forever. By the time you get out of the shock, the trauma, the money is already transferred via a complex system of channeling via various different countries

100s of such cases of “digital detention” are emerging every single day. Very well-educated persons like double doctorate professors, industrialists, journalists have fallen prey to these scams.

Beware everyone, this scam is dangerous, it can drive you to the limits of your sanity. No senior police officer will ever ask you to transfer money to another account, none will use intimidation tactic to allegedly resolve a case involving your loved ones, nobody can stop you from speaking to your family/ lawyer or restrict you from stepping out of your own home.

TIPS TO STAY SAFE FROM “DIGITAL DETENTION”

• Treat every unknown number with a generous amount of skepticism
• Do not answer a video call on WhatsApp from any unknown number. Not just digital interrogation, it can make you vulnerable to many other cybercrimes like extortion, blackmail
• If you receive an IVR call from an alleged CBI/ ED/ Cybercrime cell, immediately hang up & report that number. High chances of it being a fraud
• Police knows how to find you & serve you a notice when required
• Anyone who begins to tell you details of your bank account details, share portfolio numbers is a huge red flag! Nobody outside of you & your bank should know these. Disconnect the call
• If there is a call saying your parcel is lying at FedEx office with drugs, definitely disconnect and report to your local police station immediately. In several of these cases you as well as the concerned police officer could be a victim of identity theft which needs to be reported
• You can fearlessly approach the cyber cell of your city or the closest police station to authenticate identity of the said officer who was attempting to digitally interrogate you
• Children and elderly need special training not to panic at such calls under any circumstances. Any fear inducing calls must be immediately double checked
• You can create safe words within family. When faced with such distress, it will help in verification by asking the fraudster to confirm the safe word
• Under any circumstances, do not proceed to transfer your money to a neutral/ RBI account
• Immediately instruct your bank that any suspicious activity must be curtailed
• LIE! – Use every means possible to get out of the situation. If at all you happen to get forcefully engaged in the conversation, simply say that you know the said officer personally or even higher up and you will find out the details.
• AI & deepfake have made it terribly simple to sound or look like another person. Even if the person on video looks like an officer you have seen in news media, don’t be scared. Hold your ground, refuse to entertain them.
• Dial 1930 immediately. Reporting financial crimes within 48 hours of the incident hugely increase chances of securing your money & freezing the transfer of money to criminal’s account.

At the base of all this is your confidence in your honesty that no one can exploit you if you haven’t engaged in any illegal activities.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

CONTACT US:

Website: www.AkanchaSrivastava.Org

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 ARE YOU UNDER DIGITAL DETENTION? #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Glad to share the impact of cybercrime investigation training conducted by ‘Akancha Srivastava Foundation’ for Pune Police on January 30th, 2024 at Cop Excellence Center of Pune City Police Commissioner Office. This training session was supported by SBI Foundation.

We trained the Pune City Police on cybercrime investigation on January 30th, 2024. Over 130 officials attended the expert investigation training including the Additional Commissioner of Police, DCP Cyber Cell, and several investigation officers.

Some of the participating officers have solved tricky cases of Bitcoin/ cryptocurrency in India. In an independent feedback process, and as you will see in the video too, these sharp officers praised our techniques and tools. That is definitely a huge validation for our content design. We make huge efforts before every training session to study that particular region, specific pain points, engage senior police officials in the process, review the content with concerned officer, train our investigators on specific need, rehearse the program flow before each session.

We are glad that the Foundation of our country’s largest bank- SBI, that serves over one fourth of banking population of India all by itself believes that cyber security is a critical topic for one and all, especially for banks, customers. We were happy to host their AGM & the Assistant Project Manager of our Project from SBI in the session too.

Hope to continue such police- public partnership as we have been doing for last 7 years.

Special thanks to Commissioner Sir, Pune City Police for tremendous opportunity.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

CONTACT US:

Website: www.akanchasrivastava.org

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 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

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)

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 functional 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 PUNE POLICE CYBERCRIME INVESTIGATION TRAINING IMPACT #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

‘Akancha Srivastava Foundation’ partnered with Haryana Police to spread awareness about #Dial112- Emergency Response Number And cyber safety.

We were invited by Bhiwani Police, Haryana to spread awareness about their powerful safety initiatives on ground especially for girls & children safety. Together we conducted back to back cyber safety awareness workshops as young adults/ children or even adults are addicted to internet today.

Do watch the testimony of a young student who was fired up with passion after attending our workshop. This is the kind of confidence we wish to keep fuelling in youth so that they can take a stand for themselves and for others. We are thankful to the students who trusted us with their personal stories, we are in touch with them to help in any way possible.

Having Bhiwani Police women police officers along with us in these 3 days has further raised the respect in our hearts for law enforcement. We got insights into how hard they work in the region, listen to victims with compassion & with a stern hand when dealing with a criminal. Grateful to such committed, dedicated police personnel who are in service of the nation 24×7.

Let us tell you some more about  #Dial112 emergency response number -a fantastic set up especially for girls who can download this app and fill their basic information which allows police to track their location.

All e rickshaws in Bhiwani have been given a unique ID and their driver’s details registered with the Police. In case of any such situation where a girl is feeling unsafe during travel, she simply has to Dial 112 and trigger emergency response. Patrol cars reach the victim within minutes with this ‘trip management service’. They even double check to ensure that the caller has reached their destination safely. Additionally Bhiwani Police has deployed women Police personnel in plain clothes at ‘hot spots’ & ‘hot routes’.

These spots cover entrances of schools & colleges, shopping malls, bus stations, train stations, public parks, food courts, popular travel routes. These personnel immediately intervene at any sign of harassment.

Our Foundation was glad to be invited to be a part of this initiative where we educated thousands of young students across school & colleges about cyber safety and Bhiwani Police measures. Enriching experience for us to witness this change within interiors of the country. We hope to continue this police public, knowledge partnership for long term social change as we have been doing for last many years.

Heartfelt thanks to Bhiwani Police, Haryana Police for giving us this opportunity.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

CONTACT US:

Website: www.akanchasrivastava.org

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 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

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)

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 functional 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 CYBER SAFETY WORKSHOPS WITH BHIWANI POLICE #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.