There was a 300% rise in cases of students being offered fake internships and job offers with top tech jobs, for a ‘processing fee’. This finding from the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is enough to trigger a warning. Recently, a Bengaluru student’s laptop lost Rs 80,000 after she downloaded a free text pdf. Weak passwords and a lack of awareness to usage of personal devices for academics are the top reasons why hackers target devices.
Both instances underscore the critical need for cybersecurity awareness.
What is Cybersecurity?
It’s your personal bouncer and bodyguard in the digital world. It keeps your personal and financial data safe while keeping criminals at bay. From flagging suspicious links and websites to malware warnings, it’s the ultimate weapon for security.
The Invisible Threats
1. Public Wi-fi: This is the easiest way to allow a hacker into your life and device.
Warning Signs
- Getting redirected to fake login pages
- Viruses and malware are wrecking your data
- Fake wi fi hotspots to infiltrate your device
2. Phishing: Did you know that in 2025, at least 15,000 Indian students were scammed on the pretext of fake admissions, and they suffered losses up to Rs 2 lakh? This is official government data. That’s why never click never click on unknown links or emails. They are the hacker’s passport to your data and digital identity.
Warning Signs
- Fake scholarship and admissions emails asking for personal details like PAN or Aadhar Card, date of birth and bank accounts to pay admission fees.
- Claims that your account will be immediately suspended if you don’t share personal information like your PAN or Aadhar Card, date of birth, etc.
- An email claiming that you’ve won a lottery
- A distress email from a friend or loved one asking for money as they were mugged on an overseas trip.
3. Ransomware: Is the inability to access files as they are locked by a hacker. You need to pay a ransom to gain access. Last year, approximately 200 universities across the world suffered these attacks, with exams and admissions disrupted.
Warning Signs
- The system has slowed and is experiencing frequent screen freezes
- Files have been renamed
- Unusual network traffic
4. Malware: Harmful or malicious software is launched on your device for unauthorised access.
Warning Signs
- Disabled antivirus
- Frequent system crashes
- Increased pop-up ads
Pro Tips: How to Stay Safe
- USB Data Charger for Public Charging: This doesn’t allow data transfer, as compared to public charging ports, where malware can be injected.
- Phone Settings: By enabling ‘find my phone’, you can locate, lock or erase personal data in case it gets misplaced or stolen.
- Say no to Freebies: Printed software, games, pirated films and even PDFs of books have malware that can lead to webcam theft and data fraud.
Top Cybersecurity Tips
- Never jailbreak a device, use device encryption
- Use encrypted messaging apps only
- Biometric usage, such as a face or fingerprint scan, is the safest idea
- Use complex passwords with special characters
- Maintain a backup of your files, videos and photos
- Don’t use public wi-fi networks
- Keep changing passwords regularly, including the wi-fi password
Top Cybersecurity Careers
- Network Security Engineer: Creates and manages robust network security infrastructure to shield an organisation’s data and systems from cyber threats.
- Ethical Hacker: Exposes the vulnerabilities and loopholes in systems and prevents cyber-attacks.
- Cybersecurity Engineer: Protects the digital ecosystem in totality, from applications, data, systems and more.
With the rapid rise in cyber threats, these roles are among the top cybersecurity careers in demand across industries, offering excellent growth opportunities and competitive salary packages. Students interested in technology and digital safety can build rewarding futures in this fast-evolving field.
Amity Edge
- Curriculum with Corporate Accent: Courses are designed around what industries demand today and tomorrow.
- Ticket to the World Stage: Students receive opportunities for internships and research collaborations with top global companies.
- Placements that Matter: Amity University Noida placement achievements include record-breaking offers of over Rs 2 crore annually, showcasing that students are well-prepared for future careers.
- Wisdom from Titans – Expert-led webinars, mentoring and interactions with industry titans to cracking interviews.
Conclusion
Keep on the top of things, stay updated and don’t trust anyone easily in the cyberspace.
