STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The COVID-driven situation and lockdown has resulted in a sharp increase in the number of cyber-related crimes across Assam. With an aim to prevent further rise of such crimes, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday launched the 'Cyber Safety Month' jointly organized by the Assam Police and the Cyber Peace Foundation (CPF) — an award-winning think tank of cybersecurity and policy experts.
This month-long campaign is designed to promote and bolster the levels awareness on of cyber safety among citizens, particularly the youth. It will focus on all major aspects of online/cyber safety and will also leverage digital platforms, webinars, radio campaigns and a host of other activities targeted at various age groups particularly the school-going children.
The campaigns will be hosted across the social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) of the State Government, Assam Police, CPF and will also be aired on the FM stations. Throughout the campaign, new and emerging areas of cybercrime awareness will be imparted among the citizens. Various aspects of new-age cyber frauds (tele as well as financial ones), identity theft crimes (phishing, Vishing), malware detection and more will be covered during this campaign.
It will empower the citizens in not only identifying cyber threats but also in the prevention of various cyber-security incidents before they happen and seek the redressal in order to mitigate such cyber threats. The campaign will especially focus on cyber safety for children, women and parents, along with cyber threats that have emerged during the COVID-19 crisis.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted, "The month-long campaign will raise awareness on cybercrimes and safety, particularly among the youth."
Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said, "The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted vulnerabilities on cyberspace, which can only be dealt with awareness. Cyber criminals are taking advantage of the widespread panic and confusion in the society. The Cyber Safety Month will allow us to raise awareness on important issues related to cyber safety — particularly among the youth."
Harmeet Singh, ADGP (Administration / Security / M&L / Border), Assam Police said, "Due to the pandemic, a larger number of people have become active online, which has resulted in a major increase in screen time and online activities. This, in turn, has resulted in an increase in online transactions and consequent spike in cyber fraud. The principle behind the campaign, is to raise awareness on 'Cyber Safety' and open a free-flowing dialogue with the citizen's to resolve their cyber related issues''.
The campaign also plans to reach out to the youth and raise a band –'Cyber Safety Volunteers' — across the State.
Vineet Kumar, founder and president of 'Cyber Peace Foundation', said, "We are honoured to have partnered with Assam Government and Assam Police to launch this month-long campaign."
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