National Cyber Security Awareness Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. It enables innovation, improves productivity, and helps solve complex problems across different sectors. However, the same technology is also being misused by threat actors to create more advanced and convincing cyber threats. AI is making digital threats more difficult to identify because attackers can now create highly realistic emails, messages, audio, videos, and websites. Traditional warning signs, such as poor grammar, unusual formatting, or obvious mistakes, may no longer be reliable indicators. Verification and responsible digital practices have become more important than ever. AI tools and smart devices we use every day can introduce new privacy and security risks if they are not used carefully. Sharing personal or confidential information with untrusted AI applications, granting unnecessary permissions, or relying on AI generated information without verification may expose individuals and organizations to security risks. By Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERTIn) on “AI Cyber Awareness” is designed for everyday citizens, employees, and digital users, not only cybersecurity professionals. It explains how AI is changing the digital threat landscape and provides simple, practical steps that everyone can follow to protect personal information, devices, and online identity. Red Flags Checklist Watch for these signs of an AI-enabled Attack Urgent, pressured request for money, credentials, or approval. Slight audio/video inconsistencies in a call or video from a "known" person. Request to bypass normal verification/ approval procedures. Unfamiliar sender domain or slightly altered URL. Unexpected MFA prompts or OTPs you didn't request. Requests to disable security software or "verify" via unofficial links. Job/investment offers requiring upfront payment or personal financial details. "When in doubt — pause, verify independently, and don't act under pressure". Online Safety Protect Your Accounts Use strong and unique passwords for every account; use a password manager to store them securely. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever available. Never share OTPs, PINs, passwords, or security codes with anyone. Use biometric authentication (fingerprint/face recognition) as an additional security layer. Stay Safe While Using Email & the Internet Check sender details carefully for suspicious or look-alike email addresses. Verify links before clicking and avoid opening unexpected attachments. Confirm website authenticity before entering login or financial details. When in doubt, stop and verify before you act. Prepare Before Something Goes Wrong Maintain regular backups of important files, stored offline or in a secure cloud service. Keep account recovery information (email/phone) updated and secure . Device Safety Keep devices updated Regularly update operating systems, applications, browsers, and security software to fix known vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates wherever possible. Install trusted software only Use genuine software and install applications only from official app stores or trusted sources. Use reliable antivirus or security solutions and keep them updated. Secure your devices and accounts Use strong passwords or screen locks on all devices. Enable device encryption and security features whenever available. Review and remove unnecessary applications andpermissions. Protect your network connection Secure your Wi-Fi with a strong password and change default router credentials. Use updated router firmware and secure network settings. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or sharing confidential information over unsecured networks. Use AI Responsibly Protect Your Personal Information Do not enter personal, financial, health, official, or confidential information into public AI tools or unknown online services. Avoid sharing sensitive details such as passwords, OTPs, account numbers, identity documents, customer data, or private conversations. Use anonymized or general information when asking AI tools for assistance. Review Before You Share or Act Treat AI-generated responses as assistance, not as a final source of truth. Verify important information before using it for financial, legal, professional, or personal decisions. Be aware that AI tools may produce incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information. Use AI Tools Responsibly Use AI to support your work and learning, but maintain human judgment and accountability. Do not use AI to create or spread false information, impersonate others, or misuse someone’s personal data. Choose Trusted Apps Control App Access & Permissions Review permissions granted to AI applications and digital assistants. Allow access only when necessary to features such as the camera, microphone, contacts, or location. Remove unnecessary permissions and uninstall apps from untrusted sources. Choose Trusted AI Services Use AI applications from reputable providers and download them only from official app stores. Review privacy settings, terms of use, and data handling practices before using AI services. Avoid connecting AI tools to sensitive accounts or files unless the security controls are verified. For reporting Cyber Security Incidents to CERT-In: Visit website: https://www.cert-in.org.in Email: incident@cert-in.org.in Toll Free Phone: +91-1800-11-4949 Toll Free Fax: +91-1800-11-6969 Information Desk Phone: +91-11-22902657 Source: AI Cyber Awareness booklet by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team