The war against cyber crime

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: What all can a law enforcer offer to society, apart from maintaining law and order or bringing the perpetrators before law? You may suggest charity, awareness programmes, writing, etc.. But, what about a Toll-free helpline?

Cyber detective and crime investigator Dhanya Menon is ready for such an experiment a toll-free helpline for assisting the victims of cyber crime. The helpline, under the label of Avanzo Charitable Trust, of which Dhanya is a trustee, will be launched at a function to be held at Thiruvananthapuram Press Club on June 30. Initially, the service of the helpline will be available for eight hours a day.

Dhanya, who is based in Thrissur, says the eworld has almost taken over our lives by storm that one does not need to volunteer himself/herself to be involved in a cyber crime.

Avanzo is only an alternative system that offers legal and technical assistance to people on cyber crimes and moral support to the victims. It does not offer solutions to their problems, she told Express.

"There is a legal system, including the police and the courts, to provide solutions for the victims' problems. Our aim is to spread awareness," she says.

Dhanya cites the lack of a proper guidance cell in the State and the impatient nature of today's generation as the factors that propelled her to come up with the idea of a tollfree helpline.

Also, the crime rates are skyrocketing with identity thefts and cyber terrorism on a high.

The cyber criminals are even capable of bringing down the economy of an entire nation, according to Dhanya. Being an expert in the field, Dhanya often conducts awareness classes in schools and colleges and receives many emails daily from the students on issues related to cyber crimes and seeking advice.

She also responds to the emails promptly. But, of late, the number of emails has increased manifold that it has become impossible for her to respond to the mails on time.

"I noticed that these students seemed very impatient and sent emails seeking urgent replies. That is when I thought of an alternative system such as a helpline,'' she says.

Initially, the tollfree helpline will be available only in the State. Dhanya has plans to extend it to other parts of the country, if it becomes a success here. She is also thankful to all those who helped in realising her venture, including all her fellow trustees in Avanzo Charitable Trust.

The helpline number will be revealed during its launch on June 30. You can also avail the service of their website www.avazonet.org for proper guidance.