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Stay Alert, Stay Safe: Gujarat Minister's Cyber Vigilance Warning for New Year

Gujarat Minister Jitu Vaghani emphasized public vigilance as the key defense against rising cyber frauds during festive seasons. He warned citizens to avoid clicking on suspicious links on social media, which can lead to hackers gaining control of devices and stealing sensitive data. The minister highlighted the state's round-the-clock cyber crime efforts and urged immediate reporting to helpline 1930 if targeted. Public cooperation and awareness are crucial to preventing cyber crimes in the digital age.

Key Points: Cybercrime Alert: Gujarat Minister Urges Public Vigilance

  • Avoid suspicious links
  • Report scams to helpline 1930
  • Use social media responsibly
  • Government working on cyber safety
2 min read

Vigilance is biggest weapon against cybercrime: Gujarat Minister Jitu Vaghani

Gujarat Minister Jitu Vaghani warns against festive cyber frauds, urging citizens to avoid suspicious links and report scams via helpline 1930.

"Vigilance is the biggest weapon against cybercrime. – Jitu Vaghani"

Gandhinagar, Dec 31

Emphasising that alertness is the most effective defence against cybercrimes, Gujarat spokesperson minister Jitu Vaghani said that growing digital connectivity has also increased the risk of cyber frauds, making public awareness and caution extremely important.

Addressing the media after a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Vaghani said cyber fraud was discussed in detail during the meeting. He appealed to citizens to remain vigilant, especially during the festive and New Year period, so that they do not fall prey to digital scams. The minister said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the state's cyber crime team is working round-the-clock to protect citizens from all forms of cyber fraud. While the government is using technology to ensure public safety, he stressed that citizens must also exercise due caution.

Vaghani said that if any citizen accidentally becomes a victim of cyber fraud, they should immediately lodge a complaint by calling the national cyber helpline number 1930 without delay, as prompt reporting can help prevent financial losses. He warned that suspicious links circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms-often disguised as messages such as "check your special card in your name" or "click here to receive a free gift"-could be traps laid by cyber criminals.

Citizens have been urged not to click on any such links. The minister explained that clicking on unknown or suspicious links can lead to the download of virus-infected files, allowing hackers to gain complete control of smartphones. This can put bank account details, OTPs, personal photos and sensitive information at serious risk.

He advised citizens to use social media responsibly, send greetings only through simple text messages, photos or videos, avoid clicking on suspicious links, refrain from installing or updating third-party applications from unknown sources, and not download files received from unfamiliar contacts. Reiterating the government's commitment to cyber safety, Vaghani said public cooperation and awareness are key to preventing cyber crimes in the digital age.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good that the government is talking about this. But awareness alone isn't enough. The cyber crime helpline 1930 needs to be more responsive. I called once and was on hold for 20 minutes. They need better infrastructure to back up these warnings.
A
Aditya G
Absolutely correct. My father, who is new to smartphones, gets these "special card" messages all the time. We've had to sit with him and explain not to click anything. The government should run simple ad campaigns on TV and radio for the elderly population.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works in IT security, I appreciate the minister's focus on public caution. Technology can only do so much. The human element is the weakest link. Simple text greetings are the safest way to go this festive season. Stay safe, everyone!
K
Kavya N
True talk! We need to educate our parents and grandparents. They are the most vulnerable. Every family should have a small chai-time discussion about these cyber frauds. Prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to hard-earned savings.
M
Michael C
The point about third-party apps is crucial. Many people download "cleaning" or "booster" apps from unknown sources that are just spyware. Stick to the official app stores and always check permissions. Good, practical advice from the minister.

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