Awareness: First Line of Defense Against Cyber Crime-AIGP, Assam Police

“Awareness and common sense are the most effective defenses against cybercrime. Simple practices like creating strong, unique passwords, being cautious about clicking on suspicious links etc. can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks,” said Mr. Pranab Jyoti Goswami, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) and Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Assam Police. Mr. Goswami also held the position of Superintendent of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Assam.

Mr. Goswami was delivering a special lecture on Cyber Security Awareness organized by the Department of Mass Communication & Journalism (MCJ), Tezpur University on 29 October, 2024.

Mr. Goswami’s insightful presentation delved into the evolution of the internet, tracing its origins to ARPANET (technical foundation of the Internet). He discussed the subsequent development of IT laws and regulations, particularly the Information Technology Act, designed to address the growing challenges of cybercrime.

The AIGP also explained the significance of data-sharing protocols and the critical role of ethical hacking in identifying vulnerabilities in digital systems. Mr. Goswami also touched upon the alarming issue of cybercrime in the financial sector, including stock market investment frauds. He emphasized the need for vigilance and awareness among individuals and organizations to safeguard their digital assets.

Prof. Farheena Danta, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, informed the audience about a recent phenomenon called digital arrest.

Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Prof. Abhijit Bora, Head, Department of MCJ, highlighted how the rapid digitization of various aspects of our lives has led to growing cyberattacks. Mr. Goswami also attended a special session with the students on the topic and answered queries.