In a disturbing revelation, Telangana's Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) director, Shikha Goel, announced that citizens in the state are losing between ₹4-₹5 crore every single day to cyber criminals, placing Telangana among the top five victimized states in India. This alarming statistic was shared at the second edition of the Hyderabad Annual Cyber Security Knowledge (H.A.C.K 2.0) Summit held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

A Statewide Crisis: The Human Toll of Cybercrime

The statistics are sobering: every day, an average of ₹4-₹5 crore vanishes into the hands of cyber criminals, leaving countless individuals and businesses grappling with financial and emotional fallout. “Cybercrimes are no longer just a digital inconvenience; they’re wrecking lives and livelihoods,” says Shikha Goel, who highlighted that the state’s citizens call the 1930 helpline at least 1,200 times daily, seeking help after falling victim to fraud.

A Personal Story: The Cost of a Click

One such victim is Arvind Reddy, a small-business owner from Hyderabad, who recently lost ₹50,000 to an online scam. “I got a call about an amazing offer on a gadget. It seemed legitimate, but before I realized it, my money was gone. The fraudsters had all my bank details,” Arvind shares. He is not alone—many like him are falling prey to increasingly sophisticated cybercrimes that exploit everyday vulnerabilities.

The Silent Culprit: Human Error

Director Shikha Goel stressed that 96% of cybercrimes in Telangana are caused by human error. Simple actions like clicking on fraudulent links, responding to phishing emails, or sharing sensitive information with unknown callers are often the triggers. As digital spaces become more intertwined with daily life, the line between legitimate and fraudulent activity becomes increasingly blurred, especially for unsuspecting victims.

Fighting Back: Cyber Security Awareness and Prevention

The Telangana government is not standing still in the face of this crisis. Authorities are ramping up efforts to raise public awareness through initiatives like the H.A.C.K 2.0 Summit, which serves as a platform for discussing solutions to this growing threat. Law enforcement agencies are also enhancing their training and collaboration with national cyber agencies to ensure quicker responses and more effective investigations.

“We must turn the tide by educating our citizens. Everyone needs to understand how to safeguard their personal information online,” says Hyderabad Commissioner of Police C.V. Anand. In addition, the state is pushing for the adoption of secure online practices, such as two-factor authentication and regular monitoring of bank accounts, to mitigate risks.

What Can You Do? Simple Steps to Stay Safe

In response to the rising cyber threat, experts are urging citizens to adopt more secure digital habits. Some key recommendations include:

1. Don’t click on suspicious links: Always verify URLs before clicking.
2. Never share sensitive information over the phone: Legitimate organizations will never ask for personal details via calls or messages.
3. Use multi-factor authentication: Protect your online accounts with extra layers of security.
4. Stay updated: Regularly update your software and apps to avoid vulnerabilities.

A Call for Collective Responsibility

While government initiatives and law enforcement are crucial, the battle against cybercrime ultimately relies on a collective effort. “Cybercrime is not just a technical issue; it’s a societal one. The responsibility lies with all of us to stay vigilant and informed,” said DGP (Cyber Security Bureau) Shikha Goel.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As Telangana continues to grapple with a growing wave of cybercrimes, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But with proactive measures, better awareness, and a collective sense of responsibility, the state can take back control of its digital landscape. For now, it’s a race against time to prevent further damage—and protect the citizens who are unknowingly putting themselves at risk with every click.