#FactCheck! Viral Image Claiming Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Visited Kedarnath Is AI-Generated

Introduction 

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In the past few decades, technology has rapidly advanced, significantly impacting various aspects of life. Today, we live in a world shaped by technology, which continues to influence human progress and culture. While technology offers many benefits, it also presents certain challenges. It has increased dependence on machines, reduced physical activity, and encouraged more sedentary lifestyles. The excessive use of gadgets has contributed to social isolation. Different age groups experience the negative aspects of the digital world in distinct ways. For example, older adults often face difficulties with digital literacy and accessing information. This makes them more vulnerable to cyber fraud. A major concern is that many older individuals may not be familiar with identifying authentic versus fraudulent online transactions. The consequences of such cybercrimes go beyond financial loss. Victims may also experience emotional distress, reputational harm, and a loss of trust in digital platforms.

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Why Senior Citizens Are A Vulnerable Target 

Digital exploitation involves a variety of influencing tactics, such as coercion, undue influence, manipulation, and frequently some sort of deception, which makes senior citizens easy targets for scammers. Senior citizens have been largely neglected in research on this burgeoning type of digital crime. Many of our parents and grandparents grew up in an era when politeness and trust were very common, making it difficult for them to say “no” or recognise when someone was attempting to scam them. Seniors who struggle with financial stability may be more likely to fall for scams promising financial relief or security. They might encounter obstacles in learning to use new technologies, mainly due to unfamiliarity. It is important to note that these factors do not make seniors weak or incapable. Rather, it is the responsibility of the community to recognise and address the unique vulnerabilities of our senior population and work to prevent them from falling victim to scams. 

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Senior citizens are the most susceptible to social engineering attacks. Scammers may impersonate people, such as family members in distress, government officials, and deceive seniors into sending money or sharing personal information. Some of them are: 

• The grandparent scam 
• Tech support scam
• Government impersonation scams
• Romance scams 
• Digital arrest

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Protecting Senior Citizens from Digital Scams 

As a society, we must focus on educating seniors about common cyber fraud techniques such as impersonation of family members or government officials, the use of fake emergencies, or offers that seem too good to be true. It is important to guide them on how to verify suspicious calls and emails, caution them against sharing personal information online, and use real-life examples to enhance their understanding.

Larger organisations and NGOs can play a key role in protecting senior citizens from digital scams by conducting fraud awareness training, engaging in one-on-one conversations, inviting seniors to share their experiences through podcasts, and organising seminars and workshops specifically for individuals aged 60 and above.

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Safety Tips 

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In today's digital age, safeguarding oneself from cyber threats is crucial for people of all ages. Here are some essential steps everyone should take at a personal level to remain cyber secure: 

1. Ensuring that software and operating systems are regularly updated allows users to benefit from the latest security fixes, reducing their vulnerability to cyber threats.
2. Avoiding the sharing of personal information online is also essential. Monitoring bank statements is equally important, as it helps in quickly identifying signs of potential cybercrime. Reviewing financial transactions and reporting any unusual activity to the bank can assist in detecting and preventing fraud.
3. If suspicious activity is suspected, it is advisable to contact the company directly using a different phone line. This is because cybercriminals can sometimes keep the original line open, leading individuals to believe they are speaking with a legitimate representative. In such cases, attackers may impersonate trusted organisations to deceive users and gain sensitive information.
4. If an individual becomes a victim of cybercrime, they should take immediate action to protect their personal information and seek professional guidance.
5. Stay calm and respond swiftly and wisely. Begin by collecting and preserving all evidence—this includes screenshots, suspicious messages, emails, or any unusual activity. Report the incident immediately to the police or through an official platform like www.cybercrime.gov.in and the helpline number 1930.
6. If financial information is compromised, the affected individual must alert their bank or financial institution without delay to secure their accounts. They should also update passwords and implement two-factor authentication as additional safeguards.

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Conclusion: Collective Action for Cyber Dignity and Inclusion

Elder abuse in the digital age is an invisible crisis. It’s time we bring it into the spotlight and confront it with education, empathy, and collective action. Safeguarding senior citizens from cybercrime necessitates a comprehensive approach that combines education, vigilance, and technological safeguards. By fostering awareness and providing the necessary tools and support, we can empower senior citizens to navigate the digital world safely and confidently. Let us stand together to support these initiatives, to be the guardians our elders deserve, and to ensure that the digital world remains a place of opportunity, not exploitation. 

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REFERENCES -

• https://portal.ct.gov/ag/consumer-issues/hot-scams/the-grandparents-scam
• https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/tech-support-scams
• https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-government-impersonation-scam 
• https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/fraud/fraud-mitigation/helping-your-elderly-and-vulnerable-loved-ones-avoid-the-scammers
• https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/romance-scams 
• https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/fraud/fraud-mitigation/helping-your-elderly-and-vulnerable-loved-ones-avoid-the-scammers 

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Introduction

The appeal is to be heard by the TDSAT (telecommunication dispute settlement & appellate tribunal) regarding several changes under Digital personal data protection. The Changes should be a removal of the deemed consent, a change in appellate mechanism, No change in delegation legislation, and under data breach. And there are some following other changes in the bill, and the digital personal data protection bill 2023 will now provide a negative list of countries that cannot transfer the data.

New Version of the DPDP Bill

The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill has a new version. There are three major changes in the 2022 draft of the digital personal data protection bill. The changes are as follows:  The new version proposes changes that there shall be no deemed consent under the bill and that the personal data processing should be for limited uses only. By giving the deemed consent, there shall be consent for the processing of data for any purposes. That is why there shall be no deemed consent.

• In the interest of the sovereignty
• The integrity of India and the National Security
• For the issue of subsidies, benefits, services, certificates, licenses, permits, etc
• To comply with any judgment or order under the law
• To protect, assist, or provide service in a medical or health emergency, a disaster situation, or to maintain public order
• In relation to an employee and his/her rights

The 2023 version now includes an appeals mechanism

It states that the Board will have the authority to issue directives for data breach remediation or mitigation, investigate data breaches and complaints, and levy financial penalties. It would be authorised to submit complaints to alternative dispute resolution, accept voluntary undertakings from data fiduciaries, and advise the government to prohibit a data fiduciary’s website, app, or other online presence if the terms of the law were regularly violated. The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal will hear any appeals.

The other change is in delegated legislation, as one of the criticisms of the 2022 version bill was that it gave the government extensive rule-making powers. The committee also raised the same concern with the ministry. The committed wants that the provisions that cannot be fully defined within the scope of the bill can be addressed.

The other major change raised in the new version bill is regarding the data breach; there will be no compensation for the data breach. This raises a significant concern for the victims, If the victims suffer a data breach and he approaches the relevant court or authority, he will not be awarded compensation for the loss he has suffered due to the data breach.

Need of changes under DPDP

There is a need for changes in digital personal data protection as we talk about the deemed consent so simply speaking, by ‘deeming’ consent for subsequent uses, your data may be used for purposes other than what it has been provided for and, as there is no provision for to be informed of this through mandatory notice, there may never even come to know about it.‍

Conclusion

The bill requires changes to meet the need of evolving digital landscape in the digital personal data protection 2022 draft. The removal of deemed consent will ultimately protect the data of the data principal. And the data of the data principal will be used or processed only for the purpose for which the consent is given.  The change in the appellate mechanism is also crucial as it meets the requirements of addressing appeals. However, the no compensation for a data breach is derogatory to the interest of the victim who has suffered a data breach.

Introduction

The Indian government has developed the National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF) to provide an implementable measure for cybersecurity, based on existing legislations, policies, and guidelines. The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre is responsible for the framework. The government is expected to recommend enterprises, particularly those in critical sectors like banking, telecom, and energy, to use only security products and services developed in India. The NCRF aims to ensure that cybersecurity is protected and that the use of made-in-India products is encouraged to safeguard cyber infrastructure. The Centre is expected to emphasise the significant progress in developing indigenous cybersecurity products and solutions.

National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF)

The Indian government has developed the National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF), a guideline that sets the standard for cybersecurity in India. The framework focuses on critical sectors and provides guidelines to help organisations develop strong cybersecurity systems. It can serve as a template for critical sector entities to develop their own governance and management systems. The government has identified telecom, power, transportation, finance, strategic entities, government entities, and health as critical sectors.

The NCRF is non-binding in nature, meaning its recommendations will not be binding. It recommends enterprises allocate at least 10% of their total IT budget towards cybersecurity, with monitoring by top-level management or the board of directors. The framework may suggest that national nodal agencies evolve platforms and processes for machine-processing data from different sources to ensure proper audits and rate auditors based on performance.

Regulators overseeing critical sectors may have greater powers to set rules for information security and define information security requirements to ensure proper audits. They also need an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS) instance to access sensitive data and deficiencies related to operations in the critical sector. The policy is based on a Common but Differentiated Responsibility (CBDR) approach, recognising that different organisations have varying levels of cybersecurity needs and responsibilities.

India faces a barrage of cybersecurity-related incidents, such as the high-profile attack on AIIMS Delhi in 2022. Many ministries feel hamstrung by the lack of an overarching framework on cybersecurity when formulating sector-specific legislation. In recent years, threat actors backed by nation-states and organised cyber-criminal groups have attempted to target the critical information infrastructure (CII) of the government and enterprises. The current guiding framework on cybersecurity for critical infrastructure in India comes from the National Cybersecurity Policy of 2013. From 2013 to 2023, the world has evolved significantly due to the emergence of new threats necessitating the development of new strategies.

Significance in the realm of Critical Infrastructure  

India faces numerous cybersecurity incidents due to a lack of a comprehensive framework.  Critical Information Infrastructure like banking, energy, healthcare, telecommunications, transportation, strategic enterprises, and government enterprises are most targeted by threat actors, including nation-states and cybercriminals. These critical information sectors especially by their vary nature as they hold sensitive data make them prime targets for cyber threats and attacks. Cyber-attacks can compromise patient privacy, disrupt services, compromise control systems, pose safety risks, and disrupt critical services. Hence it is of paramount importance to come up with NCRF which can potentially address the emerging issues by providing sector-specific guidelines.

The Indian government is considering promoting the use of made-in-India products to enhance Cyber Infrastructure

India is preparing to recommend the use of domestically developed cybersecurity products and services, particularly for critical sectors like banking, telecom, and energy, to enhance national security in the face of escalating cybersecurity threats. The initiative aims to enhance national security in response to increasing cybersecurity threats.

Conclusion

Promoting locally made cybersecurity products and services in important industries shows India's commitment to strengthening national security. A step of coming up with the National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF) which outlines duties, responsibilities, and recommendations for organisations and regulators shows the critical step towards a comprehensive cybersecurity policy framework which is a need of the hour. The government underscoring made-in-India solutions and allocating cybersecurity resources underlines its determination to protect the country's cyber infrastructure in light of increasing cyber threats & attacks.  The NCRF is expected to help draft sector-specific guidelines on cyber security.

References

• https://indianexpress.com/article/business/market/overhaul-of-cybersecurity-framework-to-safeguard-cyber-infra-govt-may-push-use-of-made-in-india-products-9133687/
• https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-daily-current-affairs/mains-articles/national-cybersecurity-reference-framework-ncrf/
• https://m.toppersnotes.com/current-affairs/blog/to-push-cyber-infra-govt-may-push-use-of-made-in-india-products-DxQP
• https://appkida.in/overhaul-of-cybersecurity-framework-in-2024/

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