21 July: HMEDABAD: Gujarat Police has organized more than 5,000 cyber safety awareness programmes across the state to educate women and children about online fraud, cyber threats, and safe digital practices. The large-scale initiative aims to strengthen cyber awareness and promote responsible use of digital platforms among vulnerable sections of society.
According to officials, the awareness campaign has reached educational institutions, community centres, residential areas, and public spaces through interactive sessions, workshops, and outreach programmes. Participants were informed about common cybercrimes, including phishing, online financial fraud, identity theft, fake social media profiles, cyberbullying, and digital scams.
Police officers and cybercrime experts explained practical measures to help people safeguard their personal information and financial data while using the internet. They advised participants to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid sharing sensitive information with unknown individuals, and verify suspicious links before clicking on them.
Special emphasis was placed on protecting women and children from online harassment and exploitation. The programmes encouraged participants to report cyber offences promptly through official channels and highlighted the importance of digital responsibility and online etiquette.
Officials stated that the initiative is part of Gujarat Police’s broader strategy to improve cyber resilience and create a safer digital environment. As internet usage continues to grow, awareness campaigns are considered essential for preventing cybercrime and equipping citizens with the knowledge needed to recognize and avoid online threats.
The campaign also included demonstrations on identifying fake websites, fraudulent mobile applications, and deceptive messages commonly used by cybercriminals. Participants were encouraged to remain cautious while making online payments and downloading applications from unverified sources.
Schools and colleges actively participated in the awareness drive, with students receiving guidance on safe social media practices, privacy settings, and responsible digital behaviour. Parents were also encouraged to monitor children’s online activities and maintain open communication about internet safety.
Police officials said community participation has played a key role in the success of the campaign. The department plans to continue organising awareness programmes across the state to ensure more people become informed about emerging cyber threats and preventive measures.
Cybersecurity experts welcomed the initiative, noting that awareness is one of the most effective tools in combating online fraud. They believe regular public education campaigns can significantly reduce the number of cybercrime victims by encouraging safe online habits.
Gujarat Police reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cyber safety through continuous public engagement, technological preparedness, and effective law enforcement. The department urged citizens to remain alert, report suspicious online activities, and make use of official cybercrime reporting mechanisms whenever required.
The extensive awareness campaign reflects the growing importance of digital literacy and cybersecurity in an increasingly connected world, particularly for women and children who are often targeted by cybercriminals.
