Tag: Cyber Awareness

EduConnect

Cyber Smart Generation: Awareness Drive Held at St. Francis Xavier’s High School, Siolim

Tanisha Cardozo

A significant step towards building digital awareness among young students was witnessed in Siolim, Goa, as a cyber awareness and online safety programme was conducted at St. Francis Xavier’s High School on 25th February 2026. The initiative was organised by the Siolim Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, aiming to equip students with essential knowledge to navigate the increasingly complex digital world safely.

The session was led by PSI Sahil Vijay Warang, Police Sub-Inspector from Anjuna Police Station, who addressed the students as the guest speaker. His talk focused on the growing threats of cybercrime and the importance of awareness as the first line of defence. The programme was held in the presence of Fr. Dilip Tete, Headmaster of the school, and Fr. Marcos Dsouza, Principal of the Higher Secondary section, both of whom appreciated the initiative and its relevance in today’s digital age.

With participation from approximately 600 to 650 students, along with teachers and members of the Legal Aid Cell, the session turned into an engaging and insightful learning experience. Students were introduced to the concept of cybercrime as an “unseen danger,” where criminals often exploit human emotions such as fear, greed, and curiosity rather than relying solely on advanced technology.

PSI Warang shared real-life examples of various online frauds, including fake investment schemes, job scams, sextortion cases, fake loan applications, impersonation frauds, matrimonial scams, and online booking frauds. He also explained newer threats such as digital arrest scams and emotional manipulation tactics, helping students understand how easily individuals can fall prey without proper awareness.

A key focus of the session was on developing a responsible digital mindset. Students were encouraged to stay cautious while using social media platforms, online games, and digital payment systems. Practical tips were shared on identifying suspicious links, protecting personal information, and verifying online transactions before taking action.

The session also introduced students to important safety resources such as the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 and official cybercrime reporting platforms, empowering them with tools to seek help in case of any online threat. The interactive nature of the programme allowed students to actively participate, ask questions, and relate to real-world scenarios discussed during the session.

Faculty members, including Assistant Professor Shreya Shah, who serves as the Faculty Incharge of the Legal Aid Cell, along with student coordinators and school staff, played a key role in organising the event. Their efforts ensured that the programme was both informative and impactful.

The event concluded with a strong message: awareness is the most powerful defence against cybercrime. As students left the session more informed and alert, the programme successfully reinforced the importance of staying vigilant in an increasingly digital world.

TechPulse

DITE&C and GIPARD Host Two-Day Cybersecurity Workshop to Strengthen Goa’s Digital Safety Framework

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), in collaboration with the Goa Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (GIPARD), organised a comprehensive two-day workshop on cybersecurity at GIPARD, Ella Farm, Old Goa. The initiative aimed to sensitise officials from various government departments about the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, data protection regulations and best practices in secure data management. The programme was inaugurated by Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C, Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C, Dr. Seema Fernandes, Assistant Director, GIPARD and Shri Vidyanand Pawar, PI, Cyber Crime Police Station, Goa.

During the inaugural address, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar highlighted the urgency of strengthening cybersecurity within government systems. He emphasised that with the growing dependence on digital platforms such as Aadhaar, UPI, DigiYatra and the use of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, both opportunities and risks have increased significantly. He noted that cybersecurity is now a foundational necessity for every government department and stressed that even a single breach could compromise vital public assets and services. Dr. Seema Fernandes reinforced this message by pointing out that cybercrime poses unique challenges as evidence can disappear quickly, making timely action critical. She expressed hope that the workshop would inspire further initiatives to create a more cyber-aware government ecosystem.

The sessions were conducted by experts including Shri Vidyanand Pawar, PI, Cyber Crime Police Station, Goa, Smt Sejal Naik, Junior Project Manager, GEL, Smt Sangeeta Naik from Digital Goa, Shri Sahil Awasthi from Cyber Yoddha, Goa Police and Dr. Harold D’Costa, President of Cyber Security Corporation and Independent Director at SICOM Ltd. Over the two days, participants explored key topics such as the fundamentals of cybersecurity, cyberbullying, the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act 2023, digital arrest case studies, mobile-based frauds, golden rules for staying safe online, India’s cybercrime framework, CERT-In Directions and cyber crisis management strategies. The workshop also featured hands-on simulations and interactive case studies that helped officials understand vulnerabilities in their daily workflows.

Through programmes like this, the Government of Goa continues to strengthen its commitment to digital safety, equipping officials with the knowledge and tools needed to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats and building a more resilient, secure digital ecosystem for the State.

TechPulse

Anjuna Police Conduct Cyber Security Awareness Session for Hospitality Staff at Rio Resort

allycaralgoa

Anjuna Police Station conducted a Cyber Security Awareness Session on December 5, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Rio Resort, Arpora, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen digital safety measures within the hospitality sector.

With cybercrimes increasingly affecting hotels, tourists, and online business operations, the session aimed to equip staff with practical tools to identify, prevent, and respond to digital threats. Nearly 50 staff members participated in the training.

During the session, officers explained various emerging cyber risks, including UPI/OTP frauds, phishing links, fake booking confirmations, impersonation calls, and unsafe digital transaction practices. Real-life examples were shared to help participants understand how fraudsters operate and how simple verification steps can prevent major losses.

Staff were briefed on two crucial citizen-focused government platforms:

  • Chakshu Portal – for reporting suspicious calls, messages, and communication-based fraud attempts.
  • Sanchaar Saathi Portal – for checking mobile connections linked to an individual and detecting fraudulent SIM misuse.

Participants also learned the importance of immediately reporting cyber incidents via the national Cyber Helpline 1930, enabling prompt action and minimizing damage.

The management of Rio Resort appreciated the proactive outreach of Anjuna Police Station and acknowledged the importance of such awareness programs in improving cyber vigilance, ensuring safer interactions for guests, and strengthening the digital hygiene of the resort.

EduConnect

U.N.M.U.T.E. Training of Trainers Program Concludes Successfully at Ganpat Parsekar College

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The five-day U.N.M.U.T.E. Training of Trainers Program came to a meaningful close at Ganpat Parsekar College of Education, Harmal, bringing together a vibrant group of educators, trainers, and experts who shared a collective commitment to strengthening digital awareness across Goa. The program focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge on digital safety, AI literacy, financial literacy, and essential government schemes, all delivered through creative, interactive, and community-oriented methods designed to be easily transferred to local groups and institutions.

The closing ceremony featured distinguished speakers who enriched the learning experience with their insights and expertise. Prof. Anand Kumar delivered an inspiring keynote address that emphasized the importance of digital empowerment in an increasingly technology-driven world. Dr. Rahul Tripathi from Goa University added depth to the discussions with his insights on responsible and conscious digital participation. Dr. Arvind, also from Goa University, encouraged participants to think innovatively through a powerful lightning talk that highlighted new ways of engaging with digital tools. Amitabh Kumar, Co-founder of Contrails.ai, shared special remarks on the future of technology and the role of community-led initiatives in driving digital progress.

The program also featured an impactful inaugural talk by PSI Sahil Vijay Warang of Anjuna Police Station, who addressed rising cyber threats and shared essential knowledge on safe digital practices, responsible online behavior, and the significance of protecting personal data. His real-life examples and practical advice enabled participants to understand cyber challenges more deeply and carry forward this awareness in their communities.

Participants expressed appreciation for the diversity of expertise and the interactive nature of the sessions. Many shared that the training boosted their confidence in guiding others toward safer, smarter, and more responsible digital habits. The U.N.M.U.T.E. initiative concluded on an uplifting note, reinforcing a shared commitment to creating digitally aware, resilient, and empowered communities across Goa.

EduConnect

Igniting Minds & Values: An Inspiring Session at Shreemant Kshatrajagatguru Residential High School, Mathagaon

Tanisha Cardozo

It was a truly inspiring experience at Shreemant Kshatrajagatguru Residential High School, Mathagaon (Bhudargad, Kolhapur) — a place where discipline, vision, and youthful potential converge.

The interactive sessions were thoughtfully designed to empower students with two key pillars: Life Values & Self-Belief, and Cyber Awareness. In today’s rapidly evolving world, the ability to stay grounded in values while navigating the digital space responsibly is essential.

Students responded with enthusiasm, intelligence, and maturity, demonstrating why institutions like this one are vital in shaping the future of our nation. Their energy was matched by their focus, and their questions reflected genuine curiosity and commitment to growth.

A heartfelt thank you to Shri Manjeet Benadikar (Dada), Headmaster Shri Y. K. Patil, and the entire staff for the warm welcome and their tireless dedication to student development. Their efforts are clearly reflected in the high levels of discipline and integrity seen in every corner of the school.

A special highlight of the visit was meeting the NCC Cadets, who impressed with their remarkable discipline, leadership spirit, and patriotic zeal. Their presence stood as a powerful reminder of the values that build a resilient and responsible generation.

The day concluded with a deep sense of purpose — that together, through awareness, discipline, and belief in self, we can build a smarter, safer, and stronger future for the next generation.