Cyber Jagrookta Diwas: 10 Tips to stay safe from malware and deepfake scams

In response to the growing prevalence of cyber scams in India, government officials are intensifying efforts to inform the public about potential risks. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has designated today as Cyber Jagrookta Diwas, emphasizing the importance of awareness regarding threats like deepfake scams, phishing emails, and malware attacks. This initiative comes shortly after alarming reports from the Press Information Bureau’s FactCheck unit and the Income Tax Department, which highlighted a phishing scheme targeting Indian taxpayers. Dubbed "PAN 2.0," this scam involved deceptive emails from addresses such as info@smt.plusoasis.com, enticing recipients with promises of an upgraded electronic PAN card. Victims were misled into visiting a fake website that mimicked an official portal, where they were prompted to submit sensitive information including their PAN, Aadhaar, and bank account details. This poses significant risks of identity theft and financial fraud. Authorities have emphasized that the Income Tax Department does not send unsolicited communications requesting personal or financial data. Genuine PAN-related services are strictly offered through authorized government websites. In light of these incidents, CERT-In, the government’s cybersecurity agency, has released a set of ten essential practices designed to safeguard citizens against deepfake scams and malware threats. By following these guidelines, individuals can enhance their online security and reduce the risk of falling victim to such scams.