Young computer users watch out!

Young computer users watch out!

As part of an awareness drive, Thane police’s cyber cell officials are visiting schools and colleges to explain students how cyber-frauds like phising and vishing can affect their lives. The campaign which was launched on April 21 aims at making the young computer user cautious and also asks parents to keep a close watch on their children’s activities on the internet. “We have so far addressed around 5000 students in 15 educational institutes. The list of institutes include Bedekar College, Sreeram Vidyamandir, Bandodkar College, Sanket Vidyalaya and Raje Shivaji Vidyamandir. The response has been positive. We have drawn up steps students can follow to avoid getting caught in cyber frauds,” said an official from cyber cell. Cops are also conducting awareness campaigns among communities. “The Shimpi (tailor) community had approached us for holding a session for them,” the official said. “Normally, we organise this campaign for one week, but this time as per police commissioner’s orders, we are conducting this campaign throughout the year. We are also holding sessions in financial institutions, industries and cooperative housing societies,” said Milind Bharambe, additional commissioner of police (crime). This campaign is being held in collaboration with National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and an NGO called Ahaan Foundation. “A team from police department, NASSCOM, DSCI and NGO has been visiting these institutes,” Bharambe added. According to the cyber cell, 387 victims submitted applications in 2011 seeking redressal. Of these 299 applications have been addressed, while 88 are pending.