Futures

Empowering Students Against Cybercrime: Telangana’s Cyber Ambassador Program, (from page 20220128.)

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Summary

In Hyderabad, 15-year-old Preetika stopped playing the mobile game Free Fire after unknowingly sharing her mother’s bank details in response to a scam message, resulting in a loss of 10,000 rupees. Fortunately, her friend Rajeshwari, a newly trained ‘cyber ambassador’, helped her recover the money and raise awareness about online safety. In response to a surge in cybercrimes during the COVID-19 pandemic, Telangana’s state police initiated a program to train students in identifying scams and handling cyberbullying. Over 3,000 students graduated from the first batch, with a second batch starting soon. The program aims to empower students to protect themselves and their communities against cyber threats.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Rise of Cyber Ambassadors Students are being trained to combat online scams and promote digital safety. Transition from passive internet users to proactive cyber safety educators among students. In a decade, a new generation of informed citizens will significantly reduce online scams and enhance digital literacy. Increased awareness of cybercrime risks, especially post-pandemic, drives the need for education in digital safety. 4
Government Initiatives in Digital Safety The Telangana government is implementing programs to educate students on cybersecurity. Shift from reactive responses to proactive educational measures against cyber threats. Governments worldwide may adopt similar educational initiatives to combat rising cybercrime rates. The surge in cybercrime cases during the pandemic highlights the need for preventative education. 5
Increased Cybercrime Awareness Awareness of online scams is growing among students and their families. Change in perception of internet safety from ignorance to a proactive approach to prevent scams. In ten years, a more digitally literate society will emerge, reducing the number of cybercrime victims. The alarming increase in cybercrime incidents motivates families to seek knowledge and protection. 4
Educational Reform in Digital Literacy Curricula are being developed to include digital safety and hygiene for students. Evolving educational content to integrate cyber safety training into standard learning. Future education systems may regularly include digital literacy as a core subject across all levels. The necessity for students to navigate a digital world safely drives reform in educational programs. 4
Community Engagement in Cyber Safety Students are sharing knowledge about online safety within their communities. Shift from individual awareness to community-wide education on digital safety practices. In ten years, communities may be more cohesive and informed about cybersecurity, fostering safer online environments. The desire to protect peers and family members from online threats encourages community education efforts. 3

Concerns

name description relevancy
Cybercrime targeting minors Rising instances of online scams targeting children, leading to financial losses and emotional distress. 5
Digital literacy and safety education Need for improved education on digital safety, especially among vulnerable groups like students, to combat cyber threats. 4
Invasive surveillance technologies Concerns surrounding the use of invasive technology for surveillance, impacting privacy and trust in digital environments. 4
Scams linked to online gaming Increase in scams associated with online gaming platforms, where players are tricked into sharing sensitive information. 5
Impact of the pandemic on cybercrime The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the prevalence of cybercrimes as more individuals engage online without adequate safety measures. 5

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Digital Safety Awareness Students are becoming more aware of online scams and digital hygiene, leading to proactive measures to protect themselves and others. 5
Peer Support Networks Students are helping each other navigate digital challenges, creating a community of support and knowledge sharing. 4
Cyber Ambassadorship Training programs for students to become cyber ambassadors, promoting digital safety in their communities. 5
Educational Initiatives on Cybercrime Curricula developed by state authorities to educate students on identifying and avoiding online scams and cyberbullying. 5
Empowerment Through Knowledge Equipping students with knowledge about cyber safety empowers them and their families against digital threats. 4
Analogies for Learning Using relatable analogies to teach complex digital safety concepts effectively to younger audiences. 3

Technologies

description relevancy src
An initiative to train students in digital safety, helping them identify scams and promote internet hygiene. 5 b9256c2eb50c1c3e1ea2df625cf259ec
A 10-month program developed to educate students on handling cyberbullying, trolling, and online scams. 5 b9256c2eb50c1c3e1ea2df625cf259ec
Programs aimed at raising awareness about cyber threats and promoting safe online practices in vulnerable populations. 4 b9256c2eb50c1c3e1ea2df625cf259ec
Technologies previously used for surveillance are being reoriented towards educational purposes in cyber safety. 4 b9256c2eb50c1c3e1ea2df625cf259ec

Issues

name description relevancy
Rise in Cybercrime Among Youth Increasing incidents of cybercrime targeting minors, particularly in online gaming and mobile applications. 5
Need for Digital Literacy Programs The necessity for educational initiatives to enhance digital safety awareness among students, especially in vulnerable demographics. 5
Impact of the Pandemic on Cybersecurity The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a surge in online scams and increased digital access, heightening cybersecurity risks. 4
Invasive Surveillance Technology Concerns regarding the use of invasive surveillance technology in urban areas, balancing security and privacy. 3
Role of Cyber Ambassadors The emergence of student-led initiatives, like the Cyber Ambassador program, to promote digital safety in communities. 4
Vulnerability of Women and Children Online Rising cybercrime cases particularly affecting women and children, highlighting the need for targeted digital safety measures. 5