One Thing @ a time can Save Millions.

Yesterday was a joyful and peaceful Sunday with family, except for one experience in the late evening, which left me shook and a lesson for a lifetime.

We were together as a family watching a YouTube learning & shared the same on WhatsApp Status. Immediately I got a message from a good friend that he was doing a WhatsApp broadcast and asked me to join the same. I replied to him with an okay & he asked me for number & while watching YouTube, I mindlessly shared the same, with a tad bit of doubt that why is he asking when he should have it in the first place. But as he is a dear friend, I realized he must be busy and gave it to him. Next, in his reply, he asks me to send him my WhatsApp Verification number, and very gullibly, I was ready to give him that too. He kept on requesting me to share it fast and other believable messages like – just starting the broadcast so I will not be able to enter later. Suddenly, it struck me & I asked what exactly does he want and he shared me a snapshot with some details. That was when alarm bells started tolling hard.

I wrote back – Why is the message asking me not to share the details? It's a security code, right?

As soon as I wrote to him, texts stopped coming.

His phone was unreachable. I checked our mutual WhatsApp group and there was a text that my dear friend's phone has been hacked & no one should share any details! I was now worried for sure. 

Without thinking and while multitasking, I had given my friend my number, which he should anyways have if he is pinging me through WhatsApp.

Without realizing the chances that something could be wrong, I was instantaneously ready to give him my security code.

I just got saved from sharing my Security Code because of the hacker’s error & rush. Even now, as I'm writing this, I get chills and shudder at the thought of consequences and the butterfly effect of the same on so many friends and family members who may also have got similar messages.

I realised again – Multitasking can be dangerous! Mistakes are not realised. I realised - Everyone is exposed to Cybercrime. I should have Cyber Insurance. I realised that I should use the double security of WhatsApp. I realised that passwords need to change frequently. I realised that i should not link any Debit & Credit Cards to any online platforms etc. for convenience. Its better to type again & again. Understand usage limits & challenges.

I can relate the above incident to so many important things in life. #LifeInsurance #HealthInsurance #CriticalIllness #Loveforfamily etc.., we all are so casual about the same & then Disaster strikes.

A scare definitely, but a lesson well learned. Wishing you all happiness, Stay Safe & Always Be Happy.