UP Schools To Run Cyber Security Awareness Drive
The state-run schools in Uttar Pradesh will impart education on cyber security awareness following the IT and electronics department directives. The aim is to keep students alert and secure by protecting them from online threats across the entire state.
The decision came considering the vulnerability of the students against online threats like identity theft scams such as phishing, social media, gaming apps, online dating apps, e-commerce, jobs, digital attacks, and ransomware attacks. The government has asked schools to conduct regular awareness drives to help students against online fraud.
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The indispensability of digital technology in education and the rising penetration of the internet have created vulnerable ground for hackers and cyber crimes. However, to deter students from getting trapped in cyber issues and allow them to use the technology unhindered, educating cybersecurity in schools has become a necessity, an official said.
An awareness drive will be conducted in October, which is celebrated as National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Reportedly, students will be given information about online frauds and essential dos and don’ts of cyber crimes.
The students will also receive a handbook on cyber security awareness prepared by the Department of IT and Electronics. The drive will provide insights to students on why cyber security is a concern and what are the different types of cybercrimes that can impact them.
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Students will also be aware of the key safeguards that may help children to protect themselves against cyber bullying. Children will also be provided with safety tips related to online gaming under the awareness programs.
As per the reports, nearly 85% of the Indian children reported cyberbullying. In India, several laws and initiatives exist to protect children from online abuse including the IT Act 2000, POSCO Act 2012, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC), National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA).
