As mobile usage surges across India, staying safe on your phone has become as critical as locking your front door. Kristiina Omri, Vice President at Estonian cybersecurity firm CybExer Technologies, has issued a strong reminder: smartphone security begins with staying mentally alert and cautious at all times.
In a conversation with ABP News Political Editor Megha Prasad in Tallinn, Estonia, Omri laid out essential practices for mobile users in India, a country with one of the world’s highest mobile data consumption rates. “You need to stay mentally present while using your device,” she said, underlining the importance of conscious engagement in an era where smartphones are filled with distractions and constant notifications.
Hear it from a super expert Ktistiina Omri who teaches govt’s across the world how to protect themselves from serious cyber attacks. I got her to speak on a much simpler issue that we deal with in everyday life, which is how to be safe on our phones..listen in #Tallinn #Estonia pic.twitter.com/RQnzpJgTME
— Megha Prasad (@MeghaSPrasad) May 22, 2025
Founded in 2016, CybExer Technologies has been working with India’s Rashtriya Raksha University since 2023 to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities across government institutions. It specialises in using simulation-based training to prepare both public and private sector entities to defend against cyber threats.
Its expertise is not limited to India — it also conducts similar exercises for several NATO countries. CybExer is actively involved in training Indian soldiers and security personnel at the university, equipping them with the skills needed to identify and respond to evolving cyberattacks.
Clicking Without Thinking Can Cost You Your Digital Identity
A major concern Omri raised was the danger of clicking on suspicious links — a risk that can lead to losing complete control over one’s device and personal data. “Clicking on a malicious link can result in complete loss of control over your device and data. You could lose access to your email, social media, or any digital accounts — and someone else could take over,” she warned.
When asked how to identify a suspicious message, Omri advised users to trust their instincts and observe unusual patterns. “Are the names and behaviour consistent with what you’d expect? Is it really your colleague asking for this information?” she said, adding that users should check full email addresses and question any out-of-character messages, like a boss sending a cat video.
Her practical advice to users, especially in organisations, is to consult with IT departments before acting on any unfamiliar requests. “Assume it’s malicious unless someone from your IT department verifies otherwise,” she recommended.
When AI Mimics Reality, Personal Verification Matters
The interview also touched on the unsettling threat of AI-powered scams, such as deepfake voice messages from loved ones. Omri suggested families create their own internal verification systems: “Agree in advance on a ‘security question’ within your family — something AI wouldn’t easily know. It could be the name of your childhood pet or a shared memory.”
This approach can help verify authenticity when technology is no longer a reliable indicator of truth. “The idea is to verify the identity in a way that only a real person close to you could answer,” Omri explained.
As digital life becomes increasingly complex, Omri’s insights highlight one constant: awareness is your best defence. Whether it’s watching what you click or creating private family codes, staying safe starts with thinking before tapping.
CybExer Technologies, founded in 2016, has been collaborating with India’s Rashtriya Raksha University since 2023 to enhance cybersecurity training in the government sector. trains govt institutions and pvt entities how to protect themselves against cyber attack. They train through simulation exercises. They are training our soldiers at the rakhsa university in india and they train a lot of nato countries
