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Amrita univ to launch cyber security device to protect women

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Abhigna
New Update

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Give a break to chilli powder and pepper sprays. There is some good news for lakhs of girls and women across the country searching for safety gadgets, especially in the aftermath of the horrific gang-rape case in Delhi.

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The nationwide outrage sparked by macabre incidents like the December 16 rape and death of a girl in Delhi set a group of young cyber-security professionals in Kerala into action.

They wanted to devise a technology that would protect vulnerable girls and women from the evil deigns of potential rapists and sexual offenders. The result is Amrita Personal Safety System (APSS).

Dr. Krishnashree Achuthan, director of Kollam-based Amrita University's Centre for Cyber Security Systems & Networks, said, "APSS is an inconspicuous, wearable and easy-to-operate electronic device that will help girls and women to trigger communication with family and police when in distress."

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"The device will remain invisible to the offender and yet can easily be triggered by its user with multiple options to ensure stealthy and secure communication," Achuthan added.

"With the ability to record conversations and communicate immediately by the press of a button or using SMS and voice calls to multiple destinations, this device also offers automated information on the nearest police station, hospitals and fire stations to the victim so that she can get immediate help," explained Dr. Achuthan.

The Amrita Centre for Cyber Security is making efforts to ensure that this device is securely lodged in an earring or a ring.

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"We are designing it so that it can be affordable. The device will soon be equipped with technology that can videotape events," she pointed out.

A distinct feature of APSS is that it can function even in rural areas where the speed of communication is minimal. Also, this device intelligently combines many location-aware technologies. Thus, it is can function indoors and outdoors with minimal power consumption.

"This customizable device provides flexibility in design for wearability, and integrates more than 15 features pertaining to women's safety and security. Significantly, it can also be used as a safety device for mentally challenged people with many functionalities to quickly identify their whereabouts," said Dr. Achuthan, an author of 29 US patents.

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APSS is an example of the cutting-edge technology for the benefit of girls and women, aged citizens and children, who need to be completely and continuously monitored, she explained. "It integrates several technologies, and we have leveraged our competencies in the field to produce this extremely beneficial and innovative device."

The Centre Director recalled that her team of researchers were inspired by Amrita University's Chancellor Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, fondly known as "Amma" by her devotees throughout the world.

The APSS prototype will be formally unveiled during Amritavarsham60 - The 60th birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, who aside from serving as Chancellor of Amrita University is an internationally acclaimed spiritual and humanitarian leader.

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