The internet has become an important part of everyday life. Students use smartphones and digital platforms for education, communication, entertainment, banking, shopping and social interaction. Along with these opportunities, however, come risks that can affect individuals and families. Cyber fraud, online scams, misuse of personal information, financial fraud, fake accounts and the misuse of photographs and videos are becoming common concerns.
Keeping this in view, the Kashmir Women’s Organisation (KWO), in collaboration with Government Degree College Hadipora, Rafiabad, conducted an awareness programme on the Responsible Use of Cyberspace. The programme brought students and speakers together for a practical discussion on cyber safety, privacy, self-control, and the precautions to follow when using digital platforms.
A Meaningful Beginning With Surah Al-Ankabut
The programme began with the recitation of Surah Al-Ankabut, Chapter 29, “The Spider.” The opening made a meaningful connection to the programme’s subject.
In Verse 41, the Quran gives the example of the spider’s house for those who seek protection from sources other than Allah. The spider’s house may look carefully constructed, yet it is fragile.
Dr Aabida Quanser, who hosted the programme, connected this example with the nature of cybercrime. She explained that a cybercrime trap can also be like a spider’s web, delicate and difficult to notice at first, yet capable of trapping a person and causing serious harm.
A suspicious link, an unknown call, a false online offer or a request for personal information may appear harmless in the beginning. Once a person responds without thinking, however, the situation can become complicated.
The comparison provided an appropriate message for the students: in the digital world, one must learn to pause, think and verify before taking action.
Why This Topic Matters
After the opening, Dr Aabida Quanser welcomed the President of the Kashmir Women’s Organisation, Darakshan Hassan Bhat, who shared her views on the importance of choosing responsible cyberspace as the subject of the programme.
She explained that reports of cybercrime are increasing, while people are becoming increasingly dependent on digital platforms. Young people, in particular, spend a considerable amount of time online. They use social media, online learning platforms, digital payment applications, gaming platforms and various other services.
With greater digital use comes a greater need for awareness.
She stressed that technology is a useful tool when used wisely. The concern arises when people trust strangers, share confidential information, click on unknown links or become attracted to schemes promising quick money.
The purpose of the programme was therefore to make students more careful and confident users of technology.
Self-Control Before You Click
One of the important points discussed during the programme was self-control.
People often react quickly when they receive an attractive message, an urgent phone call or an offer promising financial benefit. Cybercriminals use this tendency to create pressure and make people act without thinking.
A simple STOP approach can help users make better decisions:
S — Is it Safe?
T — Is it True?
O — Is it Okay to Share?
P — If possible, pause and verify.
These questions can be applied before clicking on a link, sharing information, accepting an unknown request or transferring money.
Taking a few seconds to verify something can sometimes prevent a major loss.
Principal Shares His Experiences
The respected Principal of Government Degree College Hadipora, Dr Prof. Tariq Wani, also addressed the gathering and shared some experiences from his tenure.
He was referring to those who have lost money due to various forms of cybercrimes, which include online gaming, fraud, and distribution of OTP.
He also noted the desire of some individuals to find a way of earning a lot of money within a short time. Such a desire will make them use the money that they have saved or even borrow to engage in online games and betting.
In some cases, people end up losing everything and falling into debt.
The impact of such losses is rarely limited to one person. Financial problems can put pressure on families, affect relationships and disturb a person’s peace of mind. A decision taken within a few minutes online can sometimes create problems that continue for years.
The message was clear: there is no shortcut to financial success, and people should be extremely cautious about online platforms promising easy or quick money.
Be Careful with Unknown Calls
Students were advised not to blindly trust calls from unknown numbers.
A caller may introduce themselves as a bank employee, government official, courier representative or employee of a private company. Such claims should always be verified through official channels.
Caller-identification applications can sometimes help users recognise a number, but they should not be considered complete proof of someone’s identity.
Most importantly, people should never share confidential information simply because a caller sounds convincing.
If a call appears suspicious, the safest option is to disconnect and contact the concerned organisation using its official number.
Never Share Your OTP or Credentials
The programme also stressed the importance of keeping financial credentials private.
OTP, PIN, passwords and banking details should never be shared with anyone.
Similarly, people should be careful while sharing debit or credit card details and other financial information.
Identity documents such as Aadhaar should also be shared only when genuinely required and through trusted platforms. Users should avoid sending copies of important documents to unknown individuals through social media or messaging applications.
A simple rule can protect people from many forms of fraud: confidential information should remain confidential.
Use Technology Wisely
Online gaming and betting were also discussed during the programme.
Technology can provide opportunities for education, creativity, employment and communication. However, spending money on risky platforms with the hope of becoming rich quickly can have serious consequences.
Young people were encouraged to use technology for constructive purposes and to understand the financial risks associated with online gaming, betting and similar activities.
Before spending money online, a person should ask whether the platform is trustworthy, whether the activity is necessary and whether they can afford the possible loss.
Your Privacy Matters
The sharing of personal photographs and videos was another important concern.
Students were advised to be careful about whom they trust online. Personal photographs, private videos and other sensitive material should not be shared casually.
Once something is shared online, it can be copied, saved, forwarded or misused. Even when a person deletes something later, they may no longer have control over where it has gone.
Privacy settings on social media accounts should also be checked regularly. Unknown people should not automatically be given access to personal accounts.
Your privacy matters. Protecting it is your responsibility.
What To Do If Cybercrime Happens
Awareness also means knowing what to do after becoming a victim.
India has the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, where citizens can report cybercrime online.
Financial cyberfraud can be reported to the national helpline 1930. It is vital to report financial frauds at the earliest because timely reporting will enable the concerned agencies to take proper action against such acts.
Citizens are expected to retain evidence like screenshots, transactions, phone numbers, text messages, email and other necessary information.
People should also remember that becoming a victim of cybercrime is not something to hide. Reporting the incident can help in taking action against the perpetrators and may prevent others from becoming victims of the same fraud.
Cyber Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
The session reminded students to never share OTPs, passwords or personal information, avoid risky online schemes, protect their photographs and videos, and report cybercrime without delay.
The comparison with the spider’s web from Surah Al-Ankabut offered a meaningful reflection on the subject. A digital trap may appear small and harmless when a person first encounters it, yet it can become difficult to escape once someone becomes caught in it.
The interaction between the Kashmir Women’s Organisation, GDC Hadipora and the students created an important platform for discussing these everyday challenges. It also showed why cyber awareness needs to reach classrooms, families and communities.
The message from the programme was simple and relevant to everyone who uses a smartphone or the internet:
Think before you click. Protect what is private. Never share your OTP. Verify before you trust. Use technology wisely, and report cybercrime when it happens.
The Author writes on themes related to women’s empowerment, rural livelihoods, entrepreneurship, health, and changing social realities in the Kashmir Valley.
