Tag: Cybercrime

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.

Events in Goa

Goa Police Hackathon 2025 to Launch with 36 Teams Tackling 9 Real-World Policing Challenges

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Police will officially launch the third edition of its Hackathon on 1st September 2025, inviting students from across the state to craft innovative tech solutions to real-world policing challenges. The event is expected to witness the enthusiastic participation of 36 teams, each taking on one of 9 carefully crafted problem statements related to law enforcement, crime detection, and civic safety.

As the role of technology in policing continues to expand—from data analytics to surveillance and cybercrime response—Goa Police aims to forge meaningful collaborations between young innovators and the law enforcement ecosystem. This Hackathon will not just target students from IT backgrounds; it will remain open to all disciplines, encouraging cross-functional approaches to problem-solving in public safety.

The process will begin with online registration and abstract submission, with a deadline set for 8th September 2025 at 11:59 PM. Each team, consisting of 2 to 4 members, will be required to submit a two-page abstract outlining their selected problem statement, proposed tech solution, core features, rationale for selection, and any relevant experience. Teams shortlisted based on this abstract will be announced by 14th September 2025.

These finalists will then participate in an intense, round-the-clock Hackathon session scheduled from 7:00 PM on 19th September to 7:00 PM on 21st September 2025. Over the 48-hour sprint, teams will develop working prototypes and present their solutions to a jury comprising police officials, tech experts, and civic leaders.

Each of the 9 problem statements will carry a cash prize of ₹50,000. More importantly, winning ideas may stand a chance to be developed further and implemented in real policing workflows, making this not just a competition but a potential gateway to real-world impact.

Through this initiative, Goa Police reaffirms its commitment to building smarter, tech-enabled law enforcement practices. From tackling cybercrime and digital forensics to enabling predictive policing and intelligent surveillance, the Hackathon will serve as a testing ground for tomorrow’s policing solutions.

By engaging students directly, Goa Police hopes to inspire a culture of civic-tech collaboration, where the next generation of coders, analysts, and innovators take part in shaping safer communities.

Final presentation and award ceremony details will be announced soon. Goa Police invites all eligible students to participate in this mission-driven opportunity to use their skills for public good and contribute to the future of law enforcement in India.