Ludhiana: As digital threats become increasingly sophisticated, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) has led a district-wide initiative to fortify the online safety of government officials and school students alike.Marking Safer Internet Day, the workshop drew 60 participants from high-stakes departments—including the Election and District Education offices—alongside hundreds of students who joined via video conference. The goal was simple: to pivot from passive internet consumption to an “informed and ethical” digital lifestyle.District informatics officer Neeraj Garg anchored the session, detailing the mechanics of cyber security and the growing importance of responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage. A significant portion of the workshop targeted the specific vulnerabilities of school students, many of whom access the web through their parents’ mobile devices.Critical safety tips shared were about app discipline, the “reward” trap, and credential safety. Students were warned against downloading unauthorized applications or granting “full access” permissions to phone hardware. Educators specifically cautioned against apps promising easy money, gaming rewards, or “earning” points, which often serve as fronts for data harvesting or malware. A “zero-sharing” policy for OTPs (One-Time Passwords) was emphasized as the first line of defense against financial fraud.Maninder Kaur, a local computer teacher, said: “The workshop focused on security tips that will be helpful for students and officials in the future. Guiding students to avoid apps that offer rewards or easy money is essential in today’s environment.”A Unified FrontThe collaboration between the district administration and the education department highlights a growing recognition that cyber safety is a collective responsibility. By involving the PAWAN Team and the Election Office, the NIC ensured that the people handling sensitive public data are just as prepared as the students navigating social media.
