Mumbai: Public awareness and digital hygiene can serve as an effective “firewall” against future cybercrime as online activity expands across cities, towns and rural areas, Information Technology Minister Adv Ashish Shelar said on October 1.

Shelar launched the nationwide ‘Be Cyber Street Smart’ campaign under the Data Security Council of India’s (DSCI) Cyber Security Awareness Month 2026 at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The month-long initiative will promote safe digital habits and educate citizens about emerging threats, including artificial intelligence-enabled fraud.

“Digital security is no longer only a technical issue; alert and responsible participation by citizens is equally important,” Shelar said. He stressed the need for pensioners, investors, students engaged in online education, homemakers using digital devices and e-sports players to understand basic online safety measures.

Principal Secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department Brijesh Singh said cyber threats were changing rapidly with advances in technology and AI. “Technical protection alone is not enough. Every individual must remain alert,” he said.

The campaign uses traditional Indian puppet storytelling to explain cyber risks in an accessible manner. Citizens will receive guidance on safe practices involving mobile applications, email, social media and digital transactions. Awareness will also cover APK-based fraud, AI voice cloning, real-time deepfakes, “digital arrest” scams and other emerging threats.

At the campaign launch, the symbolic ‘Ring the Bell for Security’ initiative was held at the BSE, reflecting a collective commitment by the government and industry towards a safer digital ecosystem. The campaign’s cyber anthem was also unveiled.

The initiative is supported by CERT-In, I4C, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Maharashtra government, BSE and industry partners. Awareness material will be disseminated through posters, infographics, cyber stories, stickers and digital platforms.