Government offers free online course, it can make you cybersecurity expert in 2.5 hours
The government has launched a free 2.5-hour cyber hygiene course through I4C to help people spot online fraud. The move comes as fake bank calls, KYC messages and APK scams continue to trap users.
Cyber fraud is no longer limited to suspicious emails from unknown people. Today, scammers are targeting users through fake bank calls, KYC update messages, job offers, WhatsApp links, and even credit card upgrade schemes. In many cases, people end up losing their entire savings within minutes. To help citizens stay protected in the digital world, the Indian government is now offering a free online cybersecurity course that can be completed in just 2.5 hours.
The course has been developed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The initiative aims to teach people how to identify online frauds and use digital platforms more safely. According to the official CyberDost I4C account on X, participants who successfully complete the course will also receive a certificate.
In its post, the government said, "Fraud calls. Fake links. Scam messages. Cyber threats are evolving every day." The ministry added that the course is designed to help citizens understand common cyber risks and build practical digital safety habits for daily life.
The free course covers topics such as protecting personal data, identifying fake links and scam calls, recognising suspicious messages, and learning safer ways to use online services. It is open for students, working professionals, government employees, and senior citizens.
Fake bank calls and APK scams are becoming common
The move comes at a time when cyber fraud cases are rising rapidly across India. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick users into sharing sensitive information like OTPs, banking details, and card credentials.
Recently, a TOI report revealed how scammers used fake credit card upgrade offers to target people in Vizag. In one case, a 30-year-old software professional reportedly lost around Rs 1.5 lakh after receiving a call from someone pretending to be a bank representative. The caller promised to increase the victim’s credit card limit to Rs 5 lakh and asked for certain details to process the request. Minutes later, money was debited from the victim’s account.
Several others reportedly fell victim to similar scams in the city within a month, collectively losing lakhs of rupees. In another incident, a man trying to deactivate his unused credit card received a suspicious APK file from a fraudster posing as a bank executive. Even though he avoided opening the file, scammers allegedly managed to steal over Rs 1 lakh through other tricks involving OTPs.
Police officials have repeatedly warned that fraudsters often create urgency to pressure users into acting quickly. Fake KYC alerts, bank update messages, and instant credit card offers are some of the most common traps being used right now. Authorities advise people to always verify such claims directly through official banking apps or websites and avoid clicking on unknown links or files.
The government’s new Cyber Hygiene Course is meant to address exactly these kinds of threats. Instead of focusing only on technical concepts, the program teaches practical online safety skills that ordinary users can apply in everyday situations. Interested users can access the course through the official I4C learning platform.
Cyber fraud is no longer limited to suspicious emails from unknown people. Today, scammers are targeting users through fake bank calls, KYC update messages, job offers, WhatsApp links, and even credit card upgrade schemes. In many cases, people end up losing their entire savings within minutes. To help citizens stay protected in the digital world, the Indian government is now offering a free online cybersecurity course that can be completed in just 2.5 hours.
The course has been developed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The initiative aims to teach people how to identify online frauds and use digital platforms more safely. According to the official CyberDost I4C account on X, participants who successfully complete the course will also receive a certificate.
In its post, the government said, "Fraud calls. Fake links. Scam messages. Cyber threats are evolving every day." The ministry added that the course is designed to help citizens understand common cyber risks and build practical digital safety habits for daily life.
The free course covers topics such as protecting personal data, identifying fake links and scam calls, recognising suspicious messages, and learning safer ways to use online services. It is open for students, working professionals, government employees, and senior citizens.
Fake bank calls and APK scams are becoming common
The move comes at a time when cyber fraud cases are rising rapidly across India. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick users into sharing sensitive information like OTPs, banking details, and card credentials.
Recently, a TOI report revealed how scammers used fake credit card upgrade offers to target people in Vizag. In one case, a 30-year-old software professional reportedly lost around Rs 1.5 lakh after receiving a call from someone pretending to be a bank representative. The caller promised to increase the victim’s credit card limit to Rs 5 lakh and asked for certain details to process the request. Minutes later, money was debited from the victim’s account.
Several others reportedly fell victim to similar scams in the city within a month, collectively losing lakhs of rupees. In another incident, a man trying to deactivate his unused credit card received a suspicious APK file from a fraudster posing as a bank executive. Even though he avoided opening the file, scammers allegedly managed to steal over Rs 1 lakh through other tricks involving OTPs.
Police officials have repeatedly warned that fraudsters often create urgency to pressure users into acting quickly. Fake KYC alerts, bank update messages, and instant credit card offers are some of the most common traps being used right now. Authorities advise people to always verify such claims directly through official banking apps or websites and avoid clicking on unknown links or files.
The government’s new Cyber Hygiene Course is meant to address exactly these kinds of threats. Instead of focusing only on technical concepts, the program teaches practical online safety skills that ordinary users can apply in everyday situations. Interested users can access the course through the official I4C learning platform.
