Take precautions as given ahead to prevent the theft of valuable data from your mobile, computer and laptop

Important instruction for seekers and request to readers, well-wishers and devout Hindus

A report says that in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the impending World War 3, cyber hackers in China are likely to attack key Government websites in India in various ways. A ransomware attack (a type of virus attack) has been reported on the computer system of one such organisation.

Considering that computers or servers can be used as zombies (attackers as ‘clients’) to attack other websites, everyone should follow the following instructions.

1. Common instructions regarding mobiles, computers, etc.

A. Strangers should not be allowed to use mobiles, computers and laptops.

B. If you are asked for any information (name, mobile number, E-mail, Unified Payment Interface, etc.) on a website, be very careful while providing it.

C. Carefully open any message from strangers on WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail, etc. Do not click directly on any link in the message without confirmation from the person concerned.

D. Turn-off the internet immediately after use. Avoid unnecessary use of the internet. Visit as many websites as you need. Don’t visit websites with free software, as well as suspicious websites (for example, ‘torrents’).

E. In case of any suspicious incidents on computers or mobiles (for example, more advertisements on mobiles, unfamiliar software appearing on computers, automatic opening of unknown webpage), seek help from people who have computer knowledge.

F. No matter how much the unknown person on call insists, do not provide your bank account number, ATM card number, credit card number, passwords of ‘Google Pay’, ‘Bhim App’, etc. or ‘One Time Password (OTP)’.

2. Precautions in the context of mobiles

A. There should be as many applications as you need on a mobile. Ensure that unnecessary applications are not downloaded automatically. If they appear on a mobile, uninstall them immediately.

B. Seemingly free but software that shows advertisements should not be installed on Android mobiles. Your data is more likely to be hacked from such software.

C. Carefully open any advertisement that appears on the mobile. If you receive an advertisement that says ‘You have won cash’, you should immediately delete the message without touching it.

3. Be careful while handling computers

A. No software should be installed without consulting those who have computer knowledge.

B. Your computer or laptop must have a paid antivirus programme such as ‘Quick Heal’, ‘Kaspersky’, etc. Do not install a free antivirus programme. Ensure that your ‘Antivirus’ is up to date.

Strictly follow these instructions, considering the potential damage if valuable information on mobiles, computers and laptops is stolen !