Human Manipulation in Cyber Fraud: Prevention and Protection

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes that the integration of technology in education must be accompanied by measures that ensure safe, ethical, and responsible digital engagement. It recognizes the transformative role of technology in improving access, equity, quality, and educational planning while also highlighting the need to address concerns related to digital safety, privacy, and security (Chapter 23: Technology Use and Integration, Sections 23.1–23.8). The National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE 2023) further underscores the importance of digital literacy, digital citizenship, ethical awareness, and responsible technology use as critical competencies for learners in an increasingly digital world (Part B, Section 6.4).

As digital technologies become deeply embedded in education and everyday life, cyber threats have evolved beyond attacks on devices and networks to target human behaviour, emotions, and decision-making processes. Cyber fraud today often exploits trust, curiosity, fear, urgency, and lack of awareness to persuade individuals into revealing sensitive information, making financial transactions, or granting unauthorized access to personal and institutional data (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency [CISA], 2024). Consequently, every digital user becomes a potential target, making awareness and vigilance essential components of cybersecurity.

Among the most prevalent forms of cyber fraud are phishing, vishing, and smishing, where criminals use deceptive emails, phone calls, and text messages to trick individuals into revealing passwords, financial information, or personal details. These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often impersonating trusted institutions such as banks, government agencies, schools, or service providers. The rapid growth of digital payment systems and online communication platforms has further expanded opportunities for such fraudulent activities (INTERPOL, 2024).

While phishing, vishing, and smishing continue to pose significant risks, emerging technologies have introduced new forms of cyber deception through AI-powered manipulation. Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to generate convincing fake images, videos, voices, and messages that imitate real individuals with remarkable accuracy. Deepfakes and synthetic media are being exploited to spread misinformation, facilitate financial fraud, damage reputations, and deceive unsuspecting users. These developments require individuals to strengthen their critical thinking and verification skills to distinguish authentic content from fabricated digital material (UNESCO, 2023; IBM Security, 2024).

Educational institutions are not immune to these evolving threats. Teachers, students, school administrators, and parents routinely interact with digital platforms, online communication tools, and cloud-based educational services, making them potential targets of cyber fraud. Fraudulent scholarship offers, fake recruitment messages, impersonation through social media, phishing emails disguised as official communications, and online payment scams are increasingly affecting members of educational communities (UNESCO, 2023). As digital learning environments continue to expand, there is an urgent need to build awareness and resilience against manipulation-based cyber threats among all stakeholders in education.

Human behaviour is often regarded as the first line of defence against cyber fraud, commonly referred to as the “human firewall.” The ability to recognize suspicious communications, verify information, question unexpected requests, and make informed decisions can significantly reduce vulnerability to cybercrime. Teachers play a pivotal role in strengthening this human firewall by fostering critical thinking, promoting cyber safety practices, helping learners identify warning signs of fraud, safeguarding personal information, and encouraging responsible digital behaviour. Such awareness contributes to creating safer digital learning environments and nurturing responsible digital citizens (UNESCO, 2023; NCF-SE, 2023).

Recognizing the growing need to strengthen awareness and protective skills among educators and learners, CIET-NCERT is organizing an online training programme on “Human Manipulation in Cyber Fraud: Prevention and Protection” in collaboration with ISEA-CDAC, MeitY. The training will focus on understanding human-centric cyber threats, identifying emerging forms of digital deception, promoting safe online practices, and empowering participants to protect themselves and their communities from cyber fraud. The programme will also support the development of responsible digital citizenship and contribute to creating safer digital learning environments.