Mumbai: To empower students, faculty, and the wider community to stay safe in an increasingly digital world, the Cyber Vigilance Cell was launched this week at an event in Mumbai. This initiative is a collaboration between Hyderabad Sind National Collegiate University (HSNC University) and Action for Good Governance & Networking in India (AGNI).
The event featured Chief Guest Brijesh Singh, principal secretary to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Additional Director General of Police in Maharashtra. Also present were Advocate (Dr) Prashant Mali, a cyber law and cybersecurity expert, and V. Ranganathan, former Bombay Municipal Commissioner, who was the Guest of Honour.
During the event, distinguished speakers emphasised the urgent need for cybersecurity awareness and the role of educational institutions in fostering a culture of vigilance in the digital era.
In her welcome address, Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor of HSNC University in Mumbai, highlighted the necessity for a cyber vigilance cell within educational institutions. She stated, “The launch of the Cyber Vigilance Cell is a significant milestone for HSNC University. In this digital age, cyber threats are constantly evolving, and it is crucial to equip our students and faculty with the tools to navigate the online world securely. With HSNC University now actively involved in this cybersecurity movement, students, faculty, and law enforcement experts are coming together to create a safe and resilient digital future for all.”
She further added, “This Cyber Vigilance Cell is a movement. We are building a community of ‘cyber warriors’ and ‘cyber dosts’ who will safeguard their digital environment and educate others on best practices.”
In his keynote address, Brijesh Singh emphasised the importance of digital safety, urging the audience to adopt best practices for online security. He discussed the need for new courses in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as the importance of re-skilling.
“AI is not going to take your job; someone using AI is going to take your job. So, why not become that person who uses AI to do that job?” Singh stated.
In addition, he addressed the growing complexities of cyber threats and the necessity for collective action in tackling these challenges. Besides, he briefly touched on various cyber crimes, including voice cloning, deepfakes, robocalls, hacking, phishing, malware, ransomware, identity theft, banking fraud, email scams, online job scams, WhatsApp hacking, money mule accounts, as well as cyber-stalking, cyber-bullying and data breaches.
Furthermore, Prashant Mali provided valuable insights into the legal aspects of cybercrime and the measures individuals can take to protect their personal and professional information online. His session included a discussion of the legal ramifications of cybercrimes and effective ways to address them.
Adv. Mali also highlighted how social stigma often prevents victims from reporting cybercrimes, which leads to under-reporting and allows offenders to act without consequence. Many victims fear further harassment or disbelief, which discourages them from coming forward. He encouraged the use of platforms like the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, which offers secure, anonymous reporting and essential cyber safety guidelines.
Victims are urged to call 1930 and report incidents through the NCRP portal for official police intervention.
“As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, proactive initiatives like the Cyber Vigilance Cell play an essential role in fostering digital awareness, victim support and security education,” Adv. Mali concluded.
Dr Dinesh Ahir, Trustee & Convenor, AGNI said, “In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is our responsibility to ensure that students, faculty and the wider community are equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from cyber threats. The launch of the Cyber Vigilance Cell is an important step toward fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility in the digital age. We are proud to partner with HSNC University, Mumbai, on this vital initiative”. He urged everyone to stay informed, stay secure and spread awareness.
During the Q&A session that followed, students raised several important questions on a wide range of topics. These included concerns about differential pricing for Apple and Android users, the urgent need for better data protection in CKYC databases, the use of privacy-focused web browsers, Facebook Pixel, policies on internet cookies, GDPR laws, the security of personal data amid increasing digital transactions, and the implications of regulatory changes.
The event also marked the launch of a broader initiative aimed at prioritising cyber safety across the University, with plans to extend this initiative to the wider community. The Cyber Vigilance Cell will continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and industry experts to ensure that timely and effective measures are in place for the prevention of cybercrime.
