Cyber Safety for Students

Threats Students Face

• Fake Scholarship Scam — Fraudulent websites collecting your personal data by promising fake scholarships.
• Social Media Impersonation — Fake accounts pretending to be friends or teachers to extract information.
• Online Gaming Fraud — Phishing for account credentials through fake free-diamond / UC offers.
• Sextortion — Blackmail using screenshots or edited media. This is a criminal offence — report immediately.
• Fake Job Offers — Part-time jobs that ask for money upfront or your bank details — always a scam.
• Honey Trap — Someone befriends you online, requests intimate photos, then blackmails you for money.

Digital Hygiene Tips

• Use a strong, unique password for every platform. Use a password manager.
• Enable 2-Factor Authentication on all accounts (Instagram, Google, etc.).
• Never click links in DMs from strangers — even if they look legitimate.
• Check the URL carefully before entering any login details.
• If an online job asks for money first — it is a scam, always.
• Your college/university will never ask for fees through WhatsApp or UPI.
• Never use public Wi-Fi to open banking apps.

Password Strength Guide

• ❌ Weak: ram123, password, abc123, 123456
• ✅ Strong: R@m!Kerala#2024 — 12+ chars, mixed case, symbol, number
• 💡 Tip: Use a phrase — 'I joined DUK in 2024!' → IJoinedDUK@2024!

Social Media Safety

• Keep your Instagram / Facebook profile Private.
• Never share your location in stories or posts.
• Remember: screenshots can leak from any chat.
• Never share intimate photos with anyone online.
• Report and Block fake or impersonation accounts immediately.