To strengthen digital safety and promote responsible internet usage among students, the Andaman and Nicobar Police, in collaboration with the Education Department, organized a Cyber Awareness Programme as part of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The event aimed at empowering young internet users with practical knowledge to protect themselves from online frauds, scams, and cyber threats.
Held at the Tagore Government College of Education auditorium, the programme saw participation from students, teachers, and representatives from various schools and colleges across South Andaman. Experts from the cybercrime unit delivered interactive sessions on the rising cases of cyber frauds, phishing, and misuse of personal data, emphasizing the urgent need for digital literacy in today’s interconnected world.
Sessions on Cyber Hygiene and Safe Online Behavior
The sessions covered topics such as strong password management, phishing awareness, social media safety, online gaming precautions, and data privacy. Demonstrations were held showing how fraudsters use fake websites, links, and calls to extract sensitive information.
Participants were also made aware of the national cyber helpline number 1930, launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs for reporting financial cyber frauds, and the cybercrime.gov.in portal for online complaints. Officials urged participants to report any suspicious activity promptly to curb online crimes.
Police Stress Proactive Digital Vigilance
Addressing the participants, senior officials from the Cyber Cell highlighted that the number of reported cybercrimes in the islands has increased in the last year, especially cases involving social media impersonation and online payment frauds.
They noted that cybercriminals often target the youth, exploiting curiosity or trust to access personal accounts. “Awareness is the first step to defense,” the officers reiterated, explaining that vigilance and responsible online behavior can significantly reduce vulnerability.
Interactive Quiz and Awareness Pledge
The event also featured an interactive quiz on cyber safety and a cyber pledge, where students promised to follow ethical online conduct, verify information before sharing, and use the internet responsibly. Winners of the quiz were presented with certificates and cyber safety handbooks.
Students expressed enthusiasm for such initiatives, stating that real-life examples and practical tips helped them better understand how easily one can fall prey to cyber traps. Teachers attending the event appreciated the effort and requested that similar awareness drives be conducted regularly at the school level.
Nationwide Campaign for Safer Digital India
The Cyber Awareness Programme in Sri Vijaya Puram is part of a nationwide campaign under the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (October), observed annually to raise awareness about digital safety and to promote a secure cyberspace. This year’s theme focuses on “Safe and Secure Digital India”, encouraging citizens to adopt preventive digital hygiene habits.
The campaign aligns with the Government of India’s larger objective of fostering cyber resilience across sectors, especially as online transactions and remote learning continue to expand post-pandemic.
Commitment to Continue Awareness Efforts
Officials informed that similar awareness drives are being planned across the North and Middle Andaman and Nicobar districts in the coming weeks. Police departments are also coordinating with local schools to integrate cyber awareness into student orientation sessions.
The event concluded with a message from organizers urging parents and teachers to remain informed about digital risks and to guide young users in responsible internet behavior. As digital connectivity deepens across the islands, authorities emphasized that awareness and early intervention are key to building a safe and secure cyber ecosystem.
