Itanagar, Feb 11: Reinforcing its commitment to creating a secure cyberspace for citizens, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), celebrated Safer Internet Day under the theme ‘Together, for a Better Internet’, on Tuesday.
An awareness campaign was held at the civil secretariat here, aiming to educate officers and officials about cyber threats, cyber hygiene, and best practices for online safety.
Approximately 80 officers and officials from the secretariat attended the event. The occasion was graced by state’s IT secretary Dr Sonal Swaroop, along with the IT&C director and state informatics officer (SIO) from the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
The session featured an easy-to-understand presentation by the NIC and the Information Technology & Communication (IT&C) department, covering critical topics such as phishing, vishing, malware, digital fraud, and other common cyber scams.
Practical strategies to navigate and safeguard oneself in the digital space were shared, including real-life examples contributed by participants during an open house discussion.
In addition to the main event, similar awareness programs were organized by NIC district centers in collaboration with district administrations.
These programs focused on student communities from schools and colleges, reaching over 800 participants.
The initiative underscores the government's ongoing efforts to raise cyber awareness and enhance digital security, striving to ensure a safer and more secure online experience for all.
The day was also observed at Yingkiong in Upper Siang district of the northeastern state.
Addressing the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang emphasized the importance of internet literacy, underlining the need for digital skills and knowledge to navigate today’s digital world effectively.
Highlighting the significance of public digital awareness, the DC urged the District Informatics Officer (DIO) to conduct similar workshops for the general public, business communities, youth, and women’s groups. These workshops aim to promote safe internet usage and equip individuals to stay vigilant against digital fraud.
To mark the day, DIO Rishi Raj delivered a PowerPoint presentation on Safer Internet Day. He discussed the advantages and disadvantages of internet use, advising participants to use government-issued email IDs for official communication.
He also cautioned against using office Wi-Fi for personal activities, particularly on social media, from a security standpoint.
In Tawang district, the event was observed with equal enthusiasm.
Deputy commissioner Kanki Darang highlighted the significance of cyber awareness in the digital age. He noted how the digital revolution has made information more accessible but also warned of the risks posed by careless internet use.
The DC urged parents and children to use technology constructively while remaining cautious of cyber fraud. He specifically warned against clicking on suspicious links and sharing personal information online, which could result in severe financial or emotional harm.
Superintendent of Police Dr D W Thongon addressed the increasing cases of cyber fraud, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to spread cyber awareness, especially in rural areas. He assured the public that a dedicated cybercrime cell is actively working to address such issues and encouraged reporting of any suspicious online activities.
Adding to the session, DIO Pardeep Singh conducted a detailed PowerPoint presentation on cyber threats, best practices for cyber hygiene, and safe internet usage. He shared valuable insights on protecting oneself from online fraud and accessing cybersecurity resources.
The event effectively reinforced the message of responsible internet use and the importance of cyber hygiene. Attendees appreciated the initiative and pledged to raise awareness in their communities to foster a safer digital environment for all.
