Rapporteur Report: Podcast Episode “In Conversation with World Record Holder in Cyber World Kamakshi Sharma Over Cybersecurity”
The podcast episode titled “In Conversation with World Record Holder in Cyber World Kamakshi Sharma Over Cybersecurity” was hosted by Forum For Global Studies, a Delhi-based multidisciplinary think tank. The episode featured cybersecurity expert Kamakshi Sharma, renowned for training IPS officers and law enforcement agencies in cybersecurity. The conversation centered on the rising importance of cybersecurity across various sectors and how digital threats impact individuals, businesses, and governments.
The moderator opened the discussion by addressing the growing concerns in cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world, where personal information is vulnerable to hacking, phishing, and identity theft. Kamakshi Sharma discussed the alarming rise in cyber threats, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significant data leaks that took place, especially in the medical sector. She highlighted how cybercriminals have used
sophisticated hacking techniques to steal sensitive medical board data, including licenses, which was later sold on the dark web. The ensuing blackmail and fraud, including fraudulent money transfers, became a recurring issue during this period.
Sharma elaborated on the growing concern regarding privacy and security in the context of social media and mobile applications. She highlighted the dangers of unknown silent calls and fake video calls, often used in scams, advising listeners to exercise vigilance. She emphasized the need for cybersecurity awareness and strong protective measures, especially on popular platforms like WhatsApp, where even IT professionals can fall victim to sophisticated manipulations, as seen in data leaks such as the one involving Dominos.
The discussion moved toward the intersection of real-world and digital life, with Sharma explaining how cybercriminals now have access to vast amounts of personal data. She pointed out that this trend cuts across all sectors, including banking, education, healthcare, and customer service. Criminals exploit customer data, often accessible through customer care interactions, to commit fraud. Sharma emphasized that despite increasing cybersecurity efforts globally, the threat continues to grow.
The conversation further explored the impact of online dating apps and social media platforms, especially on younger audiences. Sharma delved into the psychological aspects of social media use, where the quest for validation through likes and comments has detrimental
effects on self-esteem and mental health. She noted that many cybercrimes begin with the misuse of personal information shared on these platforms. Additionally, the moderator raised the issue of cyber threats at a global level, with several countries now focusing heavily on enhancing their
cybersecurity infrastructure. Sharma mentioned initiatives undertaken by various governments toimprove their digital defenses and the increasing collaboration between nations to combat cross-border cybercrime.
The discussion then shifted toward proactive measures that individuals and organizations can take to secure themselves online. Sharma outlined the importance of maintaining vigilance, regularly updating software, and staying informed about the latest threats and scams. She also discussed law enforcement’s use of digital evidence to track and apprehend cybercriminals, a concept known as “digital arrest.” This has become an essential tool for law enforcement agencies globally as they adapt to the evolving nature of cybercrime. Towards the end of the podcast, Sharma shared insights from her work training IPS officers and police departments on handling cybercrime. She emphasized the importance of building robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect sensitive information and counter threats. The session concluded with the speaker offering practical tips for the audience to protect their personal information and navigate the complexities of the digital world.
The moderator concluded the podcast by thanking Kamakshi Sharma for her valuable insights. The discussion provided listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the cybersecurity landscape and highlighted the critical need for awareness and preventive measures in an ever-evolving digital environment.