Thane police has geared up to ensure security of Wi-Fi networks in the city in view of recent incidents of such networks being hacked by terrorists in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to send mails before Gujarat and New Delhi serial blasts.

The cyber crime cell of Thane police and Nasscom will jointly organise Cyber Safe Thane — 2008, a three-day awareness campaign for the general public in the city from September 18 to 20.

"In view of the hacking of Wi-Fi networks, we want to educate people about the security of such networks," said Vikram Deshmane, deputy commissioner of police, cyber crime cell, Thane. He said the cell will undertake survey of Wi-Fi network users in the city and create a database so as to enable city police to prevent such cases.

Since its inception in 2005, the cyber crime cell of Thane police has been working in coordination with Nasscom and has cracked many cases of cyber crime over the years.

"The objective of the programme is to create awareness among people using Internet, especially the Wi-Fi network, on possible threats," said Prashant Burde, additional commissioner of police (Crime), Thane. "The campaign is an extension of the efforts of Thane police to educate users and make them aware of the best practices of using the medium," Burde added.

Earlier, Thane police had made it mandatory for all the Internet users to possess valid identity cards while using the Net at cyber cafes. "The decision was taken to ensure that anti-social elements are prevented form using cyber cafes to fulfil their malicious intentions," Burde said. Various programmes like seminars, panel discussions and lectures on cyber security will be organised during the three-day campaign.

"With more individuals and companies using Wi-Fi network for business and other purposes, they must be aware about the best practices and possible pitfalls as well," said Deshmane.

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• DNA INDIA