Mobile has also given women a new way to connect with the world. But with this digital facility the dangers have also increased. Therefore, it is important that we maintain digital intelligence.
Today cyber crime is not limited to just withdrawing money from bank accounts. A fake social media account can be created in a woman’s name, her photo can be misused, she can be continuously harassed online or with the help of artificial intelligence, such pictures and videos can be created which have no relation to reality. This is the reason why digital security cannot be ignored while discussing women’s safety today.
changing face of danger
Till a few years ago, on hearing the name of cyber crime, fake bank calls, OTPs or suspicious links came to mind. Now the methods of criminals have become more personal and technical. Befriending a woman by creating a fake profile, getting information about her personal life, stalking her on social media, misusing private photos or demanding money through threats – all these methods have become a part of digital crime.
AI gave a new dimension to the problem
It is now easier than ever to create a fake photo or video using a public image. Technology that mimics a person’s voice is also available. So it is not enough just to see whether the photo or video looks real or not. In the digital world now, it can be risky to immediately believe everything you see.
fear of deepfakes
Imagine that a generic photograph of a woman is available on social media. Some criminal took that picture and made an objectionable fake picture with the help of AI and then started threatening to make it viral. This situation can be extremely distressing for the victim. Unfortunately, in such circumstances, many times instead of asking questions of the culprit, the society starts questioning the woman herself – why was the picture on social media? Why did he talk to anyone? Why didn’t he take precautions?
This thinking has to change
Just because a woman’s photograph is public does not mean that anyone can use it as per their wish. The right to privacy is as important in the online world as it is in real life.
Why is Parliament’s concern important?
Regarding cyber security of women, in March 2026, the Women Empowerment Committee of Parliament presented its report on cyber crime and women’s security. The committee expressed concern over problems such as cyberstalking, sextortion, deepfakes and online harassment. The data placed before the committee also indicated that cyber crimes against women have increased rapidly over the years. The need to strengthen trained staff and technical expertise to investigate cyber crimes was also stressed. This simply means that the problem is not going to be solved by individual precautions alone. Cyber security has now become a part of the comprehensive policy of women’s safety.
No distance from social media, understanding is necessary
Social media gives women a great platform to express themselves, showcase their work and connect with the world. Therefore, it would not be right to say that women should leave social media. There is a need for its safe use – home address, children’s school information, daily routine, live travel location, personal documents or any such information which a criminal can use against you – should be avoided in public.
It is also important to check the privacy settings from time to time.
Many times we never revisit social media settings created years ago. Meanwhile, our digital behavior changes, but our security settings remain the same.
Caution in online relationships
1.Social media and dating platforms have increased the possibilities of new relationships. But a person’s identity on the Internet is not always as clear as it seems. Beautiful photos, charming conversations and some shared interests are not a guarantee of a person’s real character.
2. It is not advisable to hastily share personal photographs, bank information, address or other sensitive information when meeting a new person online.
3. If a person repeatedly asks for money, puts pressure on sending personal photos or shows unusual haste to meet, then it should be considered an alarm bell.
4. Trust may be important in an online relationship, but verification is more important than trust.
5. The voice may also be fake.
6. Another change is increasingly visible in the world of cyber crime – voice imitation with the help of AI.
7. Imagine that you get a call in the voice of an acquaintance and he asks you to send money immediately.
8. The voice may sound absolutely familiar.
9. But believing just by hearing the voice is no longer a safe way.
10. In such times, it is better to disconnect the phone and contact the person again on his real number. A question or word can also be decided in advance in the family which can be used for identification in case of emergency.
11. A few minutes of caution can prevent big losses.
Caution in banking also
1. Digital banking has made the lives of women much easier. Now the need to go to the bank has reduced. But with convenience comes financial risks.
2. Someone can call posing as a bank officer. One can send the link in the name of KYC update. Someone may ask for payment in the name of reward or job.
remember
Sensitive information like OTP, PIN, password and card should not be shared with anyone. It is safer to open the official website or app of the bank or the concerned institution itself rather than clicking on the link provided in a message.
Government’s responsibility is also important
Just telling women to ‘be careful’ is not enough.
1. Police need modern training to investigate cyber crimes. Digital forensic facilities will have to be strengthened. There will have to be arrangements for prompt action on complaints and social media platforms will also have to take swift action against suspicious content and fake accounts.
2. A National Cyber Crime Reporting System is available in India to report cyber crimes. Cyber crimes involving women and children can also be reported through this. But the simpler, faster and more reliable the complaint process is for a woman, the more women will be able to come forward and complain.
The expansion of AI and digital technology will accelerate in the coming years. New features will arrive, new apps will arrive and digital life will be deeper than ever. Therefore, the precautions that seem adequate today may not be adequate after a few years.
Regarding cyber security of women, in March 2026, the Women Empowerment Committee of Parliament presented its report on cyber crime and women’s security. The committee expressed concern over problems such as cyberstalking, sextortion, deepfakes and online harassment.
FAQ
Where can women lodge a complaint if they become victims of cyber crime in India?
Victim women can lodge their complaint anonymously on the Government of India’s national cyber crime portal cybercrime.gov.in or by immediately calling the national cyber helpline number 1930.
What is the first thing to do if a deepfake is made from a woman’s photo?
Instead of panicking, collect evidence by taking screenshots of objectionable posts, profile links and chats, report that content on the relevant social media platform and immediately file a complaint with the cyber cell.
How to Identify AI Voice Cloning Scam?
If any acquaintance or family member suddenly insists on transferring money immediately by saying that there is a serious crisis, then immediately disconnect the call and call back on their personal number or ask for the emergency code already fixed in the family.
What information should never be shared on social media?
Never publicly post permanent home address, real-time live location, children’s school name, boarding pass photo, bank details and daily route of family members.
Why is two-factor authentication (2FA) important?
With two-factor authentication turned on, even if a criminal knows your password, he can’t login to your account without the special OTP or security code sent to your phone.