Tag: cyber security

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.

Social

HDFC Bank Conducts Over 4,000 Cyber Fraud Awareness Workshops Across India

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, has strengthened its commitment to digital safety by conducting over 4,000 cyber fraud awareness workshops across the country as part of its ongoing digital banking awareness drive. Since April 2025, these workshops have reached more than 27,000 citizens, equipping them with essential knowledge to safeguard themselves against the growing threat of cyber fraud.

The initiative targets a wide and diverse audience, including school and college students, senior citizens, self-help groups, bank customers, and employees. Through interactive sessions, participants were educated on safe digital banking practices designed to help them recognise and avoid fraudulent activities. The workshops featured real-life examples, stories, and videos that illustrated common tactics used by fraudsters, making the sessions both relatable and impactful. Many of these workshops were conducted in collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies, further reinforcing their credibility and reach.

Participants were introduced to various fraudster tactics, including how criminals manipulate victims using fear, urgency, greed, or appeals for help. The sessions highlighted prevalent cyber threats such as digital arrest scams, investment frauds, APK frauds, phishing, smishing, vishing, SIM swap scams, remote access frauds, and UPI-related frauds. Practical secure banking tips were also shared, emphasising simple yet effective habits that can significantly reduce risk. The workshops featured ‘Vigil Aunty’ as a relatable awareness ambassador to reinforce these messages.

Attendees were strongly advised never to share sensitive personal or banking information, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and refrain from downloading APK files or attachments received through emails, SMS, or WhatsApp, particularly those impersonating banks, government authorities, or trusted institutions.

Commenting on the initiative, Manish Agrawal, Senior Executive Vice President – Credit Intelligence and Control at HDFC Bank, said that fraudsters are increasingly combining social engineering tactics with technology to exploit customers. He emphasised the importance of awareness in preventing individuals from sharing confidential banking details or engaging with unverified links, urging citizens to always “Pause, Think, and Verify” before taking any action.

HDFC Bank continues to encourage customers to adopt safe digital banking habits and remain vigilant while transacting online. In the event of online fraud, customers are advised to immediately report unauthorised transactions to the bank, block the affected payment mode, and contact the Ministry of Home Affairs’ 1930 cybercrime helpline or file a complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal to prevent further losses.

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.

Social

Disability Rights Association of Goa Marks 22 Years with Cyber Crime Awareness Session

Tanisha Cardozo

The Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) recently marked its 22nd year of service to persons with disabilities in the state. The milestone was commemorated with a session focused on Cyber Crime Awareness, conducted by Cyber Yoddha Sahil Awasthi and PC Anmol from the Panaji Police Station. The session educated attendees about the various types of cyber frauds and urged vigilance before clicking on suspicious links.

DRAG President Avelino de Sa thanked the members for their steadfast support over the years and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to integrating persons with disabilities into mainstream society. He encouraged members to follow the Cyber Dost 14C WhatsApp channel and the Goa Police Cyber Crime team’s social media handles to stay updated on cyber fraud prevention.

The event also featured the distribution of food grains to 90 families of persons with disabilities, highlighting the community spirit and support that DRAG has fostered over the past two decades.

The celebration reflected DRAG’s ongoing dedication to the empowerment, inclusion, and welfare of persons with disabilities in Goa, combining awareness, education, and tangible support for the community.

International

Blaise Metreweli Named First Woman Chief of MI6 in Historic Appointment

allycaralgoa

London, July 30, 2025 — In a groundbreaking moment for British intelligence, Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the 18th Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), marking the first time a woman will lead the organization in its 116-year history.

Her appointment, effective October 1, 2025, was confirmed by the UK government and praised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called it “a milestone at a time when the UK faces unprecedented global challenges.”

A Trailblazer in Tech and Intelligence

Metreweli currently heads MI6’s technology and innovation division, known internally as “Q”—a nod to the gadget-master in the James Bond universe. In this role, she has championed AI-driven surveillance tools, cyber intelligence advancements, and digital tradecraft that have become essential in countering global espionage threats.

She brings 25 years of service in British intelligence, including high-level roles in MI5 and operational deployments across the Middle East and Europe.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling in British Intelligence

While MI5 and GCHQ—the UK’s domestic and cyber intelligence agencies—have had female leaders before, MI6 had remained a male-led institution since its founding in 1909. Metreweli’s appointment shatters that precedent and sets a new tone for leadership in the intelligence community.

A Background Built for Modern Threats

Metreweli studied anthropology at the University of Cambridge, is fluent in Arabic, and is widely regarded for her ability to combine cultural intelligence with cutting-edge technology. Her work has significantly advanced MI6’s ability to counter emerging threats, including state-sponsored cyberattacks from adversaries like Russia and China.

In a statement, she said:

“I am proud and honored to lead my Service. MI6 plays a vital role in protecting the UK alongside MI5 and GCHQ. I look forward to guiding our people through the evolving landscape of global threats with the innovation and integrity that our mission demands.”

Endorsements Across the Board

Her predecessor, Sir Richard Moore, praised her as a “highly accomplished intelligence officer” and “a leading thinker in the application of technology to security.” Her peers describe her as strategic, forward-thinking, and deeply respected across both UK and allied agencies.

What This Means Going Forward

Metreweli’s leadership is expected to usher in a new era of modernization and inclusion at MI6. At a time when hybrid warfare, cyber espionage, and global instability are reshaping the geopolitical landscape, her appointment reflects a conscious pivot toward innovation and diversity in national security.

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