Cyber Crime Awareness Workshop: Empowering the Community Through Knowledge

On April 24, 2025, a vital Cyber Crime Awareness Workshop was organized for the staff, adult students, parents, and members of the local community. The event aimed to equip attendees with crucial knowledge about the rising threats of cybercrime and was conducted by representatives from the Cyber Security Crime Section of Lalbazar, Kolkata Police

Leading the session were Mr. Uttam Kumar Paik, Additional Officer-in-Charge, and Ms. Madhurjo Bhattacharya, Technical Assistant from the National Cyber Crime Cell. They highlighted the increasing frequency of online traps and scams targeting everyday internet users through various social media platforms and digital channels.

The session emphasized the importance of understanding common cybercrime-related terms such as:

• Digital Arrest

• Gaming Scams

• Fraudulent Online Loans

• Banking Code Scams

• Public Wi-Fi Risks

• Biometric Locks for Aadhaar

Participants were educated on key cybersecurity practices, such as avoiding the sharing of sensitive information like OTPs, ATM card details, and bank account credentials over the phone or online.

The speakers also shed light on how cyber criminals operate and how victims and accused are identified during investigations. A special focus was placed on password security, where attendees were taught how to create strong passwords. It was advised not to use easily guessed personal information such as names, birth years, Aadhaar numbers, or driver's license details. The differences between weak and strong passwords were explained, stressing how weak passwords can be easily hacked by cybercriminals who observe online behavior patterns.

Additional cyber safety advice included avoiding the use of:

• Public Wi-Fi

• Bluetooth connectivity in public places

• Hotspot sharing

These can expose users to risks by allowing fraudsters to access device IP addresses more easily.

To assist individuals in case of cyber emergencies, the National Cyber Crime Portal's toll-free number, helpline, and WhatsApp contact were shared. This information was especially valuable to adult students and parents who had previously encountered cyber-related issues.

The session also addressed public curiosity around real-life cybercrime scenarios such as:

• Fake job portals

• Suspicious online loan apps

• Video calls from unknown contacts

• Fake prize money scams

• International scam calls

The workshop was interactive, with active participation from attendees who shared personal experiences and raised pertinent questions.

The event saw full participation from the staff of Udaan and ECCEC programs, along with their Project Coordinators, Mrs. Twisha Ganguli and Mrs. Anindita Sengupta. The engagement and interest shown by the community highlighted the urgent need for such awareness programs to build a safer digital environment for all.