Cyber Security is no longer a threat to the IT and Banking sectors. It's affecting internet users of all ages and areas. Responding to fake electronic communications, students are also becoming victims of cyber threats.
To make people aware of that kind of Cyber threat, the Centre for Cyber Forensics and Information Security wing of the University of Madras has initiated an umbrella program called Cyber Security Awareness Programme or CSAP.
Chennai-based Dr. N. Kala Baskar, Director-in-Charge of the Centre for Cyber Forensics and Information Security, has been leading the team since July 2015.
Since the program involves people from different communities, it's split into two phases. The CSAP 2015 Phase I, is an awareness program for students from different schools and colleges. It is proposed to conduct awareness campaigns in different academic premises in Chennai.
They have already covered nearly 15 schools, 3 colleges, and 2 universities. As a result over 6000 participants benefited from this event.
The students were taught about Password security, email security – scams and spams, Mobile security, Wifi and Bluetooth security, ATM security, Pinhole cameras, and CCTV cameras.
To conclude Phase I, a rally was conducted on 12 September from Marina Beach to the Labor Statue area in Chennai. The event was flagged off by M.P. Nirmala (IAS Retd) former Principal Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu.
Former Founder Director of the Centre for Cyber Forensics and Information Security also attended the program. Over 250 participants from schools, colleges, and universities participated in the program. There was a street play enacted by students with the concept of cyber security issues.
This programme was followed by a Book Release function. M.P.Nirmala (IAS), Former DGP – C.L.Ramakrishnan, Director, Dr.Ramasubramanian, Valiant Technologies, Mr.Anjaneyalu, Managing Director of CoeDF were also present for the Book Release function.
The Book is titled Cyber Tales and is divided into four sections- Cyber Tales, Cyber Similes, Cyber Puzzles and Cyber Anthem. Another online portal inccfis is being developed to make netizens aware of those kind of challenges.
" A person needs to communicate with another and so there is always an exchange of information between the parties in conversation if they need to remain engaged. But most people do not know how or why to keep sensitive information private and what could be the risks associated if what is sensitive to someone is made public."
Smita, a participant.
She also added,
" The idea behind the creation of CSAP was to educate the public about the dangers of Cyber World and how what we consider so resourceful – the internet, could violate one's privacy. Therefore we began to work towards this cause from the start of July and just before the rally we happened to have successfully interacted with 6000 plus students from various institutes, where the message was conveyed with the use of effective presentations and demonstrations."
The team is going to extend this programme to other cities and rural areas as well. " For Phase II, I'm planning to take it to the other interior and few remote places in other districts." Dr. Kala revealed.
Dr Kala has spent nearly 23 years in Forensic , out of which 8 years in Computer Forensic. Prior to joining Centre for Cyber Forensics and Information Security, she was a Scientific Officer at Computer Forensics Division of State Forensic Sciences Department in Chennai.
"Everbody is using emails mobile phone. They should first know about security matters. They will also be able to understand password and privacy settings. Even they are downloading many apps but don't know which privacy is to keep. Most of those apps ask personal information. One needs to think whether it is necessary or not." she advised to the young netizens .
" One can not prevent it from happening. But we can make them aware about Cyber Threats. Responding fake mails may afffect their system." she added.
