Sunday Read: Hacker-proofing hacks

Time of India

11-05-2025

cybersecurity measures
Information verification
Encrypted communication
Social media safety
Password management
The public is urged to exercise caution with online information, boost digital hygiene, and prepare for emergencies and protect themselves and families from cyber attacks
–Chetan Anand, National Cybersecurity Scholar
In response to escalating cyber threats, the Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC), in collaboration with National Cyber Security Scholars, has released a new advisory outlining practical. The advisory aims to offer actionable best practices to help individuals and organisations prevent attacks and mitigate their impact.'Given the critical situation the country is facing, it is a matter of immense commitment that our National Cyber Security Scholars have stepped up and volunteered to provide this cyber security advisory,' said Group Captain Aanand Naidu Pola (Retd) Executive Director, ISAC. Chetan Anand, National Cybersecurity Scholar and Cyber Crime Intervention Officer said the advisory addresses emerging cyber threats targeting individuals, networks, and critical infrastructure. 'The public is urged to exercise caution with online information, boost digital hygiene, and prepare for emergencies and protect themselves and families from cyber attacks,' he said.The advisory stresses the importance of verifying all information related to the ongoing conflict, especially content that involves the armed forces, terrorist activities, or government advisories. Citizens are warned against blindly trusting WhatsApp forwards, suspicious links, and PDFs circulated through instant messaging apps. 'There is a high chance of misinformation and psychological propaganda aimed at causing panic or demoralising the public and armed forces,' the advisory states. To combat fake news and disinformation, citizens are encouraged to fact-check before forwarding or sharing any message. Perplexity AI has launched a fact-checking WhatsApp chatbot where users can forward questionable content to ‪[phone]‬ for verification.Additionally, people are urged to install official government apps like NDMA's Sachet https://sachet.ndma.gov.in and MyGov- https://www.mygov.in/ and also diaster warning apps and first responder in advance.Download offline maps from Google Maps to prepare for potential communication outages. In terms of communication and data security, the advisory recommends using encrypted messengers such as Signal, Bridgefy, and CopConnect to ensure private and secure communication, especially during network disruptions.Citizens are also advised to store sensitive documents—such as ID proofs, digital health records, and bank data—on encrypted USB drives or secure cloud services, with strong passwords safeguarding access.Social media users have been cautioned to avoid engaging with unverified influencers or handles that might spread falsehoods. It is advised to keep handy the social media handles of local police station/ Police commissioner law enforcement to report disruptive posts. Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or QR codes, and refrain from forwarding and clicking suspicious or unknown links.The advisory places particular emphasis on password management, advocating the use of good offline password managers in place such as KeePass or PasswordSafe instead of online alternatives vulnerable to breaches. It recommends using different passwords for each platform and updating them frequently. Employees in government and critical infrastructure sectors have been strongly advised to immediately change their banking and email passwords to minimize damage from potential cyber intrusions.Mobile security is another critical area. Users are asked to remove unnecessary and unused apps and content, keep operating systems and apps updated with the latest security patches, Enable access control (fingerprint/PIN/password), and protect their devices with licenced antivirus software. Keep away from the banned appsUsers are advised to stay away from free Wi-Fi available in public places. Connect to a corporate network using VPN, if available. Avoid sharing wi-fi or hotspots with strangers.Given the possibility of power and network failures, users are urged to conserve battery by turning off non-essential features like Wi-Fi and hotspot when not in use, using solar chargers or power banks, and limiting social media and streaming usage.Citizens are urged to avoid scanning QR codes in unfamiliar places, rely only on official payment apps like BHIM, PhonePe etc with added access controls such as PIN or biometrics, and keep limited cash reserves at home to fall back on during digital disruptions. Use offline banking and UPI options cautiously.-For emergency preparedness, the public is asked to maintain medical prescriptions, stock essential medications, keep emergency contacts written down, and store health insurance documents.'Citizens should pre-identify safe assembly areas within their communities and practice mindfulness to stay calm and alert,' reads the advisory.Civilians residing near military zones must act responsibly and refrain from sharing any digital content or social media updates related to troop movements.Cybersecurity researchers and professionals working in critical infrastructure sectors must exercise heightened digital vigilance to safeguard sensitive information.In case of cybercrime, individuals are advised to report incidents via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) or call the helpline 1930, apart from visiting their local police station.