Cyber Safety Is Everyone’s Job Now: Why Your Clicks Could Make Or Break National Security
As India marks National Technology Day on May 11, the spotlight is no longer just on scientific milestones or nuclear achievements. The digital age has brought a new battlefield to our doorstep — one where every citizen plays a frontline role. From clicking on unknown links to forwarding unverified messages, even the most routine online actions are now loaded with national implications.
From Pokhran To Phishing: How The Threat Has Evolved
National Technology Day originally commemorates India’s successful nuclear tests in Pokhran in 1998, a powerful demonstration of technological self-reliance and scientific prowess. But in 2025, the conversation is shifting. The once-celebrated symbols of hardware strength are now being joined by concerns over software vulnerabilities. With the exponential growth of cyber threats, the focus is increasingly on cyber hygiene as an essential aspect of national defence.
Tushar Dhawan, Partner at Plus91Labs, highlights how cyber warfare is no longer just a state-on-state affair. “In today’s cyber landscape, many nations have launched cyber offensive content over social media platforms to distribute malware and extract data. Intelligence agencies have issued warnings against opening unknown files or links that are used for cyberattacks,” he said.
He warns that a single careless click can cause catastrophic damage. “As responsible citizens, we must be aware that a single click can activate a virus, leading to severe damage by giving hackers access to confidential information and banking credentials.”
More Than Just IT Hygiene — It’s Now a Civic Duty
Cybersecurity experts unanimously agree: digital safety is no longer the IT department’s job alone. It’s a national imperative.
“Cyber hygiene is no longer optional — it’s a matter of national security,” said Neehar Pathare, MD, CEO and CIO at 63SATS Cybertech. “One breach can paralyse hospitals, banks, or supply chains, impacting millions. The sheer volume of daily attacks strains our cyber defenders, causing burnout and reducing national readiness. Every citizen must understand that poor cyber habits don't just risk personal data — they endanger our economic resilience and digital sovereignty.”
The message is loud and clear: from spotting phishing attempts to reporting fake calls, every small action matters. And it's not just financial fraud or stolen passwords at stake. As cyberattacks become more targeted and frequent, critical infrastructure and national services could be the next casualty.
Your Phone, Your Firewall: Everyday Acts That Safeguard The Nation
“Cyber hygiene has become the silent cornerstone of national security,” added Rahil Patel, Chief Growth Officer at QNu Labs. “In a digital-first world, threats don’t always arrive through borders — they slip in through emails, devices, and networks we use every day.”
He emphasises that even basic digital practices — updating software, enabling two-factor authentication, and avoiding shady links — are now vital to national resilience. “What used to be IT hygiene is now public responsibility,” he said.
Romel Bhattacharjee of Aranca drives the point home: “Each citizen’s online behaviour has become a line of defence... Cyber hygiene is no longer just about individual safety; it is a matter of national security, requiring vigilance and accountability from every digital citizen to protect the stability and trust within our society.”
So, as we celebrate technological innovation and look toward the future, perhaps the most powerful tools we now hold are awareness, caution, and a secure password.
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