Tag: cybersecurity

Events in Goa

Department of Telecom Hosts West Zone Security Conference 2025 in Goa

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

The Department of Telecommunication (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, successfully hosted the annual Zonal Security Conference for the West Zone on 3rd September 2025 at Cavelossim, South Goa. Themed “Sashakt Sanchar, Abhinav Suraksha”, the conference brought together key stakeholders from the telecom industry, law enforcement agencies, and financial institutions to deliberate on the evolving landscape of telecom security and cyber coordination.

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom) and Chairman of the Digital Communication Commission, delivered the keynote address at the inaugural session. In his remarks, he underscored the rising misuse of telecom resources in tandem with rapid technological and infrastructural growth. He highlighted the Department’s proactive efforts to bolster cyber resilience through collaborative platforms. One such significant initiative, the Sanchar Saathi portal, was praised for empowering citizens in the collective fight against telecom fraud. “Over 14 crore users have already benefitted from this initiative,” he noted.

The inaugural session also featured addresses by Shri R K Goyal, Special Director General, Maharashtra LSA, Ms Sunita Chandra, Director General (Telecom), Ms Shubha Bhambhani, Additional Director General (Telecom), Shri Deb Kumar Chakrabarti, Member (Security), DoT, and Shri An Khare, Advisor (Operations), DoT. Over 100 representatives from Central Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), Licensed Service Areas (LSAs) of West Zone states and union territories, along with officials from telecom service providers and financial institutions, participated in the conference.

Throughout the day, the event hosted several focused sessions covering a range of critical topics, including telecom supply chain security, cyber crime prevention, and the strategic use of telecom network intelligence by enforcement agencies. The discussions highlighted the need for continued collaboration and technological innovation to safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure.

International

Tibetans Countered Chinese Cyberattacks with Buddhist Wisdom and Cybersecurity Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, July 2025 — In a deeply insightful session at MOG Sundays, held at the Museum of Goa, Tibetan software engineer and cybersecurity advocate Lobsang Gyatso Sither recounted a lesser-known story of digital resistance. Titled “Tibetan Democracy in Exile,” the session shed light on how Tibetans countered state-sponsored cyberattacks from China by merging Buddhist philosophy with modern-day cybersecurity practices.

“In 2008, a pivotal moment came in my life with the release of the GhostNet Report,” said Sither.

That report—produced by Canada’s Citizen Lab—exposed a global cyber espionage network, affecting over 1,295 computers in 103 countries. These included high-value targets such as embassies and government offices. Sither, then a computer science student, found a calling that connected his skills with a greater cause: protecting the Tibetan community in exile.

After returning to Dharamsala in 2009, Sither joined Citizen Lab as an intern. His early work gave him direct exposure to how the Tibetan diaspora was being digitally targeted. In collaboration with the Tibet Action Institute, he helped launch a 2014 digital security campaign focused on Buddhist teachings—particularly the idea of “non-attachment.”

“Over 90% of attacks came via email attachments,” Sither said. “So we encouraged people to detach from attachments.”

The community-wide campaign encouraged the use of secure file-sharing and cloud services instead of email attachments. Remarkably, it worked. Attack patterns shifted. Malware was then sent via fake Google Drive links, forcing attackers to evolve. But the message was clear: Tibetans were learning, adapting, and fighting back.

By 2018, this work culminated in the creation of TibCERT (Tibetan Computer Emergency Readiness Team), a central body that monitors, reports, and educates the Tibetan community about ongoing cyber threats.

Even as recently as 2025, cyberattacks persist. During the 90th birthday celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, an impersonation website was created to capture data from well-wishers. The cloned website and malicious app links spread through Tibetan WhatsApp and Telegram groups, a new tactic in an old war.

“These attacks continue to evolve,” Sither explained, “but so do our defences.”

Sither also acknowledged India’s vital role in supporting the Tibetan community, especially in education. With over 90% literacy among Tibetans in exile, he credited the efforts of the Dalai Lama and the Indian government, particularly through the Central Schools for Tibetans (CSTs) and Jawaharlal Nehru’s early support.

As the “Year of Compassion” (July 6, 2025 – July 5, 2026) marks the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, Sither urged that this is also a time to honour India’s solidarity.

A quiet digital revolution continues—rooted in compassion, powered by code.

TechPulse

Cyber Crime Awareness Workshop Empowers Akashvani Staff in Panaji, Goa

allycaralgoa

June 19, 2025, Panaji, Goa : In a proactive step toward building digital resilience, a Cyber Crime Awareness Workshop was successfully conducted for the staff of Akashvani, Panaji (All India Radio) on June 19, 2025. The session, aimed at equipping participants with vital knowledge on cybersecurity threats and best practices, was led by Mr. Rohir Naik, CEO & Digital Business Expert at Coderix, who served as the Guest Speaker.

With cybercrime incidents on the rise across industries and sectors, this workshop served as a timely initiative. Mr. Naik addressed the fast-evolving landscape of cyber threats—ranging from phishing scams and data breaches to ransomware attacks and social engineering techniques. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, he emphasized the importance of digital hygiene, strong password practices, multi-factor authentication, and staying vigilant in the digital realm.

Participants gained crucial insights into:

  • Recognizing and responding to phishing and malware attacks
  • Safe browsing habits and email security
  • Protecting personal and professional data on digital platforms
  • The importance of regular software updates and backups
  • Legal implications of cybercrime under the IT Act

Mr. Naik also shed light on how organizations can implement basic cybersecurity frameworks, promote awareness among teams, and build a culture of digital responsibility.

“In today’s hyperconnected world, every individual is a potential target—and a potential line of defense. Awareness is not just important, it’s essential,” said Mr. Naik during the session.

The workshop was met with enthusiastic participation from the Akashvani staff, who appreciated the practical tips and clear, jargon-free approach. It concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where attendees voiced concerns and shared their experiences with cyber challenges.

Why It Matters:
In a media and broadcasting environment where digital workflows are increasingly prevalent, safeguarding systems and data integrity is paramount. Sessions like these are a vital step in ensuring that employees are not only informed but empowered to act against cyber threats proactively.

The initiative reflects Akashvani Panaji’s commitment to staying future-ready and fostering a cyber-aware workplace culture.

About the Speaker:
Mr. Rohir Naik is a seasoned digital business expert and the CEO of Coderix, a technology-driven company that champions digital literacy, transformation, and cyber safety across organizations in India. His expertise spans across IT strategy, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.

TechPulse

Safer Internet Day: Joining Forces for a Better Digital World

allycaralgoa

Today, February 11th, marks Safer Internet Day (SID), a global initiative that aims to promote a safer and more responsible use of online technologies, particularly among children and young people.

Safer Internet Day is a call to action for all stakeholders – governments, organizations, schools, and individuals – to come together and play their part in creating a safer and better internet for everyone. This year’s celebration is an opportunity to reflect on our collective responsibility to ensure that the internet is a positive and empowering environment for all, especially for the younger generation.

In today’s digital age, the internet plays a vital role in our daily lives. While it offers numerous benefits and opportunities, it also poses risks and challenges, such as cyberbullying, online harassment, and exposure to harmful content. Safer Internet Day serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting online safety, digital literacy, and responsible behavior.

There are many ways to participate in Safer Internet Day:

  • Educate yourself and others: Learn about online safety, digital citizenship, and how to protect yourself and others from online risks.
  • Promote online kindness: Encourage empathy, respect, and kindness online, and support those who may be experiencing cyberbullying or online harassment.
  • Support organizations working towards a safer internet: Collaborate with organizations, schools, and communities to promote online safety and digital literacy.
  • Share your story: Use social media to share your experiences, tips, and advice on how to stay safe online, using the hashtag #SaferInternetDay.

Safer Internet Day is a global celebration that reminds us of the importance of working together to create a safer and better internet for all. By joining forces, we can make a positive impact and ensure that the internet is a place where everyone can thrive.

Let’s come together to build a safer, more responsible, and more compassionate digital world!