Sikkim University holds Cyber Security Awareness Exhibition to educate students on digital safety

The Department of Education at Sikkim University held a Cyber Security Awareness Exhibition on Saturday, aiming to spread awareness about the rising threat of cybercrime and the importance of safe and responsible online behavior. The event, held on the university campus, was attended by students from different departments and featured a wide range of interactive exhibits and informative presentations.

The exhibition was coordinated by Dr. Pawan Kumar Ray, Assistant Professor, Department of Education. In his opening remarks, Dr. Ray said that even though students are currently busy with internal assessments and preparing for the July examinations, the department felt that cyber security is a topic that cannot be delayed. He highlighted that the inclusion of cyber security in the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 reflects its growing importance in today’s digital world.

“Over 6,000 cybercrime cases are reported every day in India. This is a serious matter. We must remain alert and stay safe. ‘Satark Rahein, Surakshit Rahein’ should guide all our digital actions,” said Dr. Ray.

The exhibition had several stalls explaining different aspects of cybercrime and how to stay protected. There were posters and handouts explaining how to identify phishing emails and fake websites, how to avoid online job scams and gaming frauds, and how to stay aware of financial frauds. One of the stalls focused on the role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in cyber fraud protection and the importance of using the national cybercrime helpline number 1930.

Students also learned about India’s cyber laws and policies, including legal steps one can take in case of a cyber fraud incident. The exhibition included video enactments and live demonstrations to show real-life scenarios where cybercrimes take place, and how people can avoid falling into traps.

Prof. Dr. Yodida Bhutia, Dean of Professional Studies at Sikkim University, visited the exhibition and praised the efforts of the students and faculty. “This is a very meaningful initiative. The Department of Education has done a great job. Such programs should happen more often. They help students become more aware and responsible in the digital world,” she said.

Another guest speaker, Dr. T.J.M.S. Raju, shared some real-life examples of cybercrime, including a case where a person lost ₹90,000 in an online job scam. He stressed the need for everyone, especially young students, to understand how easy it is to become a victim if they are not careful.

The event saw participation from students of various departments, including Geography, Mass Communication, and Psychology. Many students said that the event was eye-opening and helpful.