Considering how one can easily fall prey to fraud online, we talk with tech creator Tejas Patil about his series on cyber safety, that aims to raise awareness on how to stay safe online.
There is nothing that one cannot find online. From the nearest kirana store to solutions on how to take a stain off our clothes, people are constantly relying on the internet to make their live easier. But the more we are on the internet, the more we realise how scary it is. We have time and again heard of chatter about how one should be vigilant while enjoying the perks of the online world. The internet is filled with individuals looking to exploit those who seem vulnerable. Given how easy it is to become a victim to fraud, much like it is to find solutions to our problems, tech creator Tejas Patil decided to help people by sharing ways to stay safe from these cyber threats through his Instagram series.
Tejas, who is known for sharing everything and anything he knows about the world of technology, used his page to talk about the threats that are always lingering online. By sharing an experiment where he shared a dummy link that suggested how people could win an iPhone if they clicked on the same, Tejas went on to talk about how easy it is for scammers to scam people online, especially when people themselves fail to recognize it.
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To know more about his efforts and being responsible as a creator, we talked to him and here's what he had to share!
Your content has always revolved around technology. Why did you decide on doing this series?
Technology has always been a big part of my life, and I love creating content that helps people integrate it into their daily routines. With the rise of the internet, especially after Jio revolutionized India, everyone has easy access to it, which is both a blessing and a curse. Unfortunately, scammers are using the internet, mobile networks, and people’s limited knowledge of tech to take advantage of them. I’ve personally experienced scam attempts, and my father almost fell victim to one. My goal with this series is to educate as many people as possible on how to protect themselves from these scams. With a bit of awareness, we can prevent a lot of people from falling into these traps.
Despite multiple cases and warnings, why do you think people keep falling prey to online scams?
I ran an experiment by pretending my page got hacked. I posted stories about a “free iPhone” giveaway, just like scammers do, with a link that didn’t lead anywhere. Scammers often use such links to steal essential information like location, IP address, and more. What I found was surprising—out of 100 people, only 10 recognized it as a scam and avoided clicking the link. The other 90 wanted to know how to get the free iPhone, and some even unfollowed me, thinking I was lying about the giveaway. This clearly shows how unaware people are about how scams actually work. Scammers take advantage of people’s desire for free stuff. The simple truth is, you don’t get free things on the internet, but many still fall for it. It’s a mix of lack of awareness and greed that scammers exploit every day
How would you define "cyber safety" in today's digital landscape, and why do you think it's more important than ever?
Cyber safety today is all about protecting yourself and your data online—from your personal information to your financial details. As we rely more on the internet for everything from banking to shopping, the risks have grown significantly. Scammers, hackers, and even large organizations can misuse your data if you’re not careful.
What makes cyber safety so important now is how integrated the internet has become in our lives. With millions of transactions happening every second and personal data being shared constantly, it’s crucial to be aware of the threats. Whether it’s phishing scams, malware, or data breaches, the potential for harm is higher than ever. Cyber safety is not just about securing devices; it’s about staying informed and cautious in an increasingly digital world.
Check out his series here!
How do you balance the technical aspects of cyber safety with making the content relatable and easy to understand for a general audience?
The key is to break down complex technical concepts into everyday language. I focus on using real-life examples that people can relate to—like sharing stories of common scams or explaining how a simple link can compromise your data. Instead of diving deep into technical jargon, I highlight the impact of these issues on daily life, making it easier for the average person to understand the risks. For example, instead of talking about “phishing attacks” in detail, I’ll explain it as someone pretending to be your bank or a trusted service to steal your information. By simplifying the message and focusing on how it affects them directly, I make cyber safety both relatable and actionable. The goal is to create awareness without overwhelming the audience with too many technicalities.
People have been showing their support for your series in your comments. Is there any reaction from the people that has stuck with you?
One comment that really stuck with me was, “That’s why I follow you.” It made me realize that I’m on the right path and making a positive impact. It’s reassuring to know that people value the content I’m creating. I also see a lot of comments like, “This was needed” or “I’ll remember this,” which tells me that the series is resonating with people and helping them stay aware. Knowing that I’m helping others stay safe online makes it all worth it.
What do you hope viewers take away from your content, and what kind of impact do you want to make in the cyber safety space?
I want viewers to become more aware and cautious in their online interactions. My goal is to make them think twice before clicking on a link, sharing personal information, or trusting everything they see online. I hope they walk away with a better understanding of the dangers and how to protect themselves from scams and online threats. In the cyber safety space, I want to create a larger impact by spreading awareness on a wide scale. If even a small percentage of people start applying what they’ve learned from my content, we can reduce the number of online scams and help protect more people. My aim is to make cyber safety common knowledge, so that staying safe online becomes second nature for everyone.
Hope these tips from Tejas helps you be more mindful while being on the internet!
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