Background: Cyber-crime is described as any unlawful activity which is committed using any computing devices, like computer/smartphone and which is a part of internet. There are different methods by which cyber-crime is committed which include 1) attacks on computer systems, 2) cyber-bullying, 3) email spam, 4) phishing, 5) identity theft. Breaches in cyber security have become a severe danger to world security and the economy, compromising essential infrastructure and wreaking havoc on company performance, resulting in significant cognitive property loss. It is a sad reality that cybercrime cases have witnessed a steady spike. India has witnessed a significant increase in cases of cyber fraud and various cyber-related incidents in the last three years. The present study was done to assess the prevailing cyber practices among adults from Thiruvalla, Kerala.Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 adults in Thiruvalla, Kerala from January to June, and 2022. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the study participants after obtaining consent. The quantitative data collected was analysed using the software statistical package for social sciences. The results have been presented as tables and charts showing frequencies and percentages.Results: 133 out of the 350 study participants (38%) believed that it was important to be aware of cyber security risks in general while 52% (182) of the study participants considered cyber security awareness to be the only solution to the existing online scams.Conclusions: Widespread awareness campaigns are necessary to improve the cyber awareness of the community and thereby improve their cyber practices.

Background: Metaverse means a world in which virtual and reality interact and coevolve, and social, economic, and cultural activities are carried out in it to create value. The application of metaverse in the field of healthcare can help improving access to healthcare services by overcoming the physical barriers between hospitals and patients, thereby enhancing overall patient satisfaction, particularly in small towns and cities. Objective was to assess the perceptions of doctor interns on the impact of metaverse in the health care field.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical graduates doing internship in Pathanamthitta district, central Kerala. A semi structured pilot-tested structured questionnaire was shared among the study participants via a chain-referral procedure. The quantitative data collected was analysed using the software statistical package for social sciences. The responses on participants’ perceptions collected were analysed using the inductive approach of thematic analysis and classified into themes and subthemes.Results: Out of the study participants, 37.6% (150) considered metaverse to be the future of internet. Augmented reality and its applications in real life were the factors that excited a vast majority of the study population. Study participants expressed concerned about data privacy, cyber risks and vulnerabilities.Conclusions: The introduction of metaverse is also not without early challenges.