Sir,

As Mysuru steadily advances towards digital governance and smart city services, cybersecurity has emerged as a serious and often underestimated civic concern. While digital platforms have improved access to services, banking and communication, they have also increased the vulnerability of citizens to cybercrime.

Mysuru has seen rapid digital adoption across sectors such as online banking, e-governance services, education platforms and digital payments. However, this progress has been accompanied by a sharp rise in cyber frauds, phishing attacks and online scams, affecting residents across age groups.

Cybercrime statistics indicate a worrying trend. Mysuru reported around 86 cybercrime cases in 2021, which rose significantly to 267 cases in 2022. Recent data suggests that nearly 100 cybercrime cases have been reported in a short span, with estimated financial losses touching 25 crore, largely due to online scams and digital fraud.

These figures highlight that cybercrime is no longer confined to major metropolitan cities. Tier-II cities like Mysuru are increasingly being targeted due to high digital penetration combined with gaps in cyber awareness. Why are residents vulnerable?

Cyber criminals today rely less on technical hacking and more on exploiting trust, urgency and fear. Common tactics observed in Mysuru include fake arrest threats, fraudulent job offers, phishing links, impersonation of officials and misuse of unsuspecting youth bank accounts to route illegal funds.

Mysuru’s identity as an educational hub places special responsibility on its youth.

Educational institutions must integrate cyber hygiene, ethical digital behaviour and online safety into learning spaces to build responsible digital citizens.

For Mysuru to truly benefit from digital progress, cybersecurity must become a shared civic priority through awareness drives, digital literacy, simple protective practices and partnerships with industry and educators.

Cybersecurity is not merely about technology; it is about empowering citizens to recognise risks and act responsibly. A secure digital Mysuru depends on informed and alert citizens.

— R. Shree Priya Patel, Cybersecurity Analyst, Mysuru, 23.12.2025

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