Dr. Smruti Smita and Dr. Ravia Gupta
From breaking stereotypes to breaking codes and now creating a safer online space seems quite a challenge for women, especially considering the recent report by World Health Organization which shows that every third woman has experienced a form of violence in her lifetime, and despite the relatively new and growing phenomenon of internet connectivity, it is estimated that one in ten women has already experienced a form of cyber violence since the age of 15 and more.
Though technology has made work simple and easy. there is a growing concern regarding digital literacy of women in this overgrowing webbed world. The issue of cybersecurity is a threat for both men and women now. Phishing is an attempt to acquire sensitive data, such as bank account numbers, through a fraudulent solicitation in email or on a web site, in which the perpetrator hides in the disguise of a legitimate individual. Women’s financial security digitally that not just aids them in their day-to-day activities but also makes them self-reliant needs a serious handling.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is recognized as a key emerging issue. Technology that brings the best practices and innovative solutions on digital transformation with a gender perspective, secure cyberspace for women and girls is perhaps the need-of-the hour. It is important to protect the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence, combating cyber-bullying of women and girls. This calls for the partnership among the government agencies both within the country and between other countries on combatting the cybercrime, cooperation with the civil sector, practice of involving women through non-governmental organizations, as well as at the decision-making level, cyber hygiene at schools, importance of working with children and teachers in this area, importance of involving mass media and private sector at both national and transnational levels, leading role of the government at the legislative level in cybersecurity and cybercrime prevention.
Some Dos and Don’ts for women
Women must refrain from publishing personal sensitive information on any social media. Private content online must be guarded with strong passwords. Printers, wifi, webcams and computers, should be shut down and not kept continuously open when not in use. Wifi should always be protected by a secure password. Women must not access the links to which an email can direct them seeking personal information. While using net banking, one must not adopt google search or other search and instead typing the correct address of the bank themselves in the address bar.
With the advent of technology, women are seen shopping more online than offline. Before placing an order online,women must check if the site address shows https or carries an image of a lock. The passwords must be changed regularly. Use of a two-step OTP verification process to access e-mail accounts, installation of anti-spyware and antivirus and keeping them updated needs attention. Women must refrain from answering calls from strangers, visiting popup windows or unwarranted verification message that may ask for personal information. While downloading plug-ins to any software, it must be screened prior to downloading using an antivirus. Periodic backup of the PC or computer system/mobile data is necessary.
College girls must avoid checking email accounts at cybercafés. If so, one must remember to sign out from any online account when you no longer want to access an account. While making online payments or using net banking women must register for transaction alerts on mobile, SMS/emails etc. They should visit bank’s website by typing the URL in the address bar. Women must be encouraged to use the virtual keyboard for enhanced security. Individuals must inform the bank on changing phone numbers. One must deactivate all banking services linked to that number on losing mobiles. One must avoid exchanging old mobile phones with new ones as data can be misused. Women must be careful with mobile phones/laptops and not leave them unattended or without a password protection. Deactivating a web service such as Whats app on old phone before activating it on a new cell phone must be done on priority.
Conclusion
It requires work in the creation of new conventions on countering cybercrime against women. It is time to design strategic approaches for conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive digital security through evidence-based and consultative methods. Besides enhancing digital literacy, awareness, and sound cybersecurity practices among women, it is important that women representation in cybersecurity workforce is increased. Initiatives like CyberShikshaa that provides training to women from Tier II and III cities and rural areas can therefore play a lead role in securing a safer online space for women.
(The authors are Veterinary Consultant & Researcher and Assistant Professor in Department of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Jammu.)
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