With the rapid expansion of digital technology and the growing challenges posed by cybercrime, awareness of safe online practices, digital literacy and cybersecurity has become an urgent necessity. With this objective, the University Grants Commission (UGC) organised an online lecture under its Chetna Series Lecture initiative on the occasion of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October 2026). The lecture was titled “Cybercrime Uncovered: Threats, Prevention & Response.”
Dr. Nit Nayana, Registrar of Sonadevi University, participated in the programme and highlighted the importance of cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital citizenship.
The objective of this UGC initiative was to raise awareness about various forms of cybercrime, the risks associated with them, effective preventive measures and timely action in the event of a cybercrime incident. Mr. Nishant Kumar, Director of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, was scheduled to speak at the lecture. The programme placed particular emphasis on the safe use of digital platforms, identifying online fraud and adopting practical measures to prevent cybercrime.
On this occasion, Dr. Nit Nayana, Registrar of the university, stated that cybersecurity has become an integral part of everyone’s life in the present digital age. The internet, digital payments, online banking and social media have made life more convenient; however, their increasing use has also led to growing cybercrime risks. Therefore, every citizen must remain vigilant while engaging in online activities, avoid unfamiliar links and suspicious messages, and protect the confidentiality of personal and financial information.
She further emphasised that cybersecurity awareness is not limited to technical knowledge but is also closely connected with responsible digital behaviour and personal safety. Such awareness programmes play an important role in enabling students and the general public to identify potential threats and take appropriate preventive measures.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. Braj Mohan Pat Pingua, stated that the purpose of modern education is not merely to impart academic knowledge but also to prepare students to understand, address and respond responsibly to the challenges of a rapidly changing technological environment.
In the digital world, staying safe online, verifying the authenticity of information and using technology judiciously are essential skills for every student. He emphasised that educational institutions have a responsibility to foster logical and critical thinking, safe online practices and a culture of responsible digital usage among students. Young people who are aware of cybersecurity risks can protect themselves from digital threats and spread positive awareness throughout society.
Encouraging students to remain vigilant, Professor Pingua stated that digital technology is an important force in modern life, but its true benefits can be realised only when it is used with wisdom, caution and responsibility.
Cybercriminals employ various methods to mislead people, including fraudulent investment schemes, attractive but deceptive online offers, misleading messages and the misuse of digital identities. Therefore, students and young people must verify the authenticity of any online offer before trusting it or sharing their personal information. Awareness and vigilance are the first and most important lines of defence against cybercrime.
Professor Pingua further stated that cybersecurity is not the responsibility of any single individual, educational institution or government agency; rather, it is a shared responsibility of society as a whole.
Discussion on Emerging Forms of Cybercrime and Effective Preventive Measures
During the lecture, detailed information was shared about the evolving nature of cybercrime and the challenges associated with it. Important topics included investment fraud through social media, fake online booking and e-commerce scams, misuse of identities and images through deepfake technology, and cyber fraud carried out through suspicious Android Package Kit (APK) applications.
The programme also provided information about official channels available for reporting cybercrime and seeking assistance. These included the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, the cybercrime helpline 1930, and Cyber Dost, a cybersecurity awareness initiative.
Through these initiatives, emphasis was placed on educating citizens about reporting cybercrime, preventing online financial fraud and adopting safe digital practices.
The key message of the lecture was that technical knowledge alone is not sufficient to prevent cybercrime. Vigilance, informed decision-making, protection of personal information and timely reporting of suspicious activities are equally important. In particular, prompt action is crucial in cases of online financial fraud.
Sonadevi University Committed to Building a Safe and Digitally Aware Society
Sonadevi University is committed to promoting cybersecurity awareness, digital literacy and responsible digital citizenship among students, teachers and the wider community. The university believes that, alongside academic education, familiarising students with the opportunities, challenges and security responsibilities of the digital world is an essential requirement of the present time.
Initiatives such as the UGC’s Chetna Series Lecture play a significant role in raising awareness about cybercrime, encouraging safe online practices and fostering responsible use of digital platforms.
Sonadevi University considers such initiatives meaningful steps towards building a safe, digitally aware and empowered India.
