ROLE OF ICT IN CYBER AWARENESS FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Rural areas now require all forms of digital development and growth because people might not be very familiar with technology, the internet, and other digital tools are not fully accessible, and individuals lack sufficient information about internet security.The widespread use of smartphones, online banking, government services, and social media has created opportunities for rural residents to improve their lives, but it has also exposed them to threats such as scams, identity theft, fake information, and misuse of personal data.This review examines the impact of technology on how rural individuals are educated about cyber dangers, the challenges they encounter, the tools currently available, and new technological solutions.These include local training, safe use of digital tools, awareness-building applications, regional-language lessons, and AI-based safety services.The findings show that understanding cyber risks is essential not only for safety but also for long-term rural development.