Cyber Surakshit Bharat: Empowering Digital Safety at CDLU, Sirsa
(An Initiative to Secure India Digitally)
On November 11, 2024, Chaudhary Devi Lal University (CDLU), Sirsa, hosted a transformative session on "Cyber Surakshit Bharat", a national initiative by the Government of India. As part of the National Cyber Security Awareness Programme 2024, this program aims to raise awareness and empower individuals with essential cybersecurity knowledge, fostering a safe and secure digital ecosystem..
A Personal Mission: Giving Back to My Roots
As an alumnus of CDLU, where I earned my M.Phil. in 2008, returning to my alma mater as the Technical Consultant/Advisor (IT) was an honour and a deeply fulfilling experience. I have committed to promoting digital safety through my professional journey as the Founder and Director of Rozy Computech Services, Kurukshetra, and as a resource person for institutions across 14 states.
In alignment with the Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative, I deliver free cybersecurity awareness lectures at the institutions that shaped my path. These sessions aim to equip individuals to navigate the digital world securely and confidently, ensuring their personal and professional safety..
Event Highlights
Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ajmer Singh Malik, CDLU continues to prioritize digital literacy and safety by regularly organizing training and awareness programs for students and staff.
This session was a collaborative effort involving:
• UITDC, led by Professor Sushil Kumar.
• UCOPE, directed by Professor Mohammad Kashif Kidwai.
The event emphasized combating cyber threats, fostering secure digital practices, and cultivating a sense of responsibility toward digital safety.
Key Topics Covered
The session explored key aspects of the Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative and Digital Arrest, offering actionable insights for securing personal and professional data. Topics included:
Cybersecurity Basics: Creating strong passwords, practicing safe browsing, and adopting secure online habits.
Digital Threats: Recognizing and combating risks like phishing, cyberbullying, and stalking.
Digital Arrest: Identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities to prevent cybercrimes.
Safety Practices: Safeguarding personal information, protecting digital assets, and ensuring secure interactions.
Emerging Challenges: Addressing modern threats such as ransomware, Just-in-Time (JIT) attacks, and digital harassment.
Preventive Measures: Practical tips for securing online transactions and social media accounts.
These discussions were designed to empower participants with practical strategies for tackling cybersecurity challenges and enhancing personal and community safety.
Cyber Surakshit Bharat: A Nationwide Movement and Vision for the Future
The Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative, launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is a significant step toward securing India’s digital future. By creating awareness, building capacity, and equipping individuals to tackle modern digital challenges, it aims to foster a safe and resilient digital ecosystem.
Contributing to this vision is both a professional responsibility and a personal mission for me. Through free cybersecurity awareness lectures at the educational institutions where I studied, I strive to give back to my roots by empowering individuals to navigate the digital world confidently. Returning to CDLU to deliver this session was a fulfilling experience, reaffirming my commitment to advancing cybersecurity awareness and ensuring a safer digital India.
Impact and Feedback
The session received an enthusiastic response, with participants appreciating the relevance and practicality of the tips and insights shared. Many pledged to implement these practices in their personal and professional lives while spreading awareness among their families and communities, further amplifying the initiative's impact.
The event witnessed active participation from key university members, including Prof. Suresh Kumar Gahlawat (Dean Academic Affairs), Prof. Sushil Kumar (Director, UITDC), Prof. Mohammad Kashif Kidwai (Director, UCOPE), Prof. Rajbir Dalal, Dr. Amit Sangwal (Director, Public Relations), and Dr. Ravinder Dhillon, along with other teaching and non-teaching staff. Their involvement highlighted the university's commitment to fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness within its community.