In response to the growing concern of online harassment, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has released a set of essential online safety guidelines specifically aimed at protecting women in the digital space. The announcement was made through their social media handle on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Tuesday.
CERT-In’s guidelines focus on proactive measures that women can take to safeguard their online presence. Key recommendations include:
Block and Report: If someone is causing trouble or harassment, block and report them to the social media platform and relevant authorities.
Privacy Settings: Adjust the privacy settings on social media accounts to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing, tagging, or messaging you.
Be Cautious with Friend Requests: Be selective about accepting friend requests and interacting with strangers online.
Limit Visibility: Restrict who can see your posts and profile information to trusted contacts only.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Refrain from posting personal or sensitive details online.
Disable Auto-Add to Groups: Turn off settings that automatically add you to unknown groups without your consent.
Document Workplace Issues: Keep a record of any online or virtual workplace discomforts and document your work environment thoroughly.
Exercise Caution with Photos: Be mindful of the photos you share online to protect your privacy.
In cases of cyber fraud or harassment, CERT-In advises women to report incidents to the nearest police station, visit the official cybercrime reporting portal at cybercrime.gov.in, or call the helpline at 1930 for immediate assistance. These guidelines aim to empower women to navigate the digital space safely and protect themselves from cyber threats.
