AGACPS Organises State-Level Cyber Awareness Webinar with Participation of Around 1,500 Students

Bhubaneswar, 3 November 2026: With the rapid expansion of digital technology, online banking, UPI transactions, social media and e-governance, cybersecurity has emerged as one of the most pressing concerns of the digital age. Recognising the growing vulnerability of young internet users to online fraud and cybercrime, Ama Gaurav Ama College Parichalana Sangathan (AGACPS) organised an interactive webinar titled “Cyber Suraksha: Be Aware, Be Secure – Mission Cyber Safe Odisha” on 3 November 2026.

The webinar featured Dr. Lingaraj Sethi, Founder of Cyber Innovation Foundation, as the key speaker. Around 1,500 students from one university and nine colleges across Odisha participated in the programme, reflecting the growing importance of cybersecurity awareness among the student community.

The participating institutions included Rajendra University, Balangir; Government Autonomous College, Sundargarh; Naktideul Degree College, Kendumunda, Sambalpur; Nabaghana College, Karanjadia, Bhadrak; BJB Autonomous College, Khordha; Khunta Degree Mahavidyalaya, Mayurbhanj; Kaptipada Degree College, Nuasahi, Mayurbhanj; Jiral Degree College, Dhenkanal; Model Degree College, Rayagada; and Laxmikanta Degree College, Bangiriposi, Mayurbhanj.

Addressing the participants, the session focused on the growing landscape of cyber threats and the importance of developing responsible digital habits. It highlighted how a simple click on a suspicious link, sharing an OTP or UPI PIN, or trusting an unverified online offer could lead to financial loss, identity theft and misuse of personal information.

The discussion covered various forms of cyber fraud affecting students and young people, including UPI and digital payment scams, phishing links, social media account hacking, fake job and internship offers, digital arrest scams, cyberbullying, online harassment, gaming frauds and AI-generated deepfakes. The importance of recognising fraudulent online activities and verifying digital communications before responding was emphasised.

Particular attention was drawn to the growing misuse of artificial intelligence through voice cloning and deepfake images and videos, which can be used to impersonate individuals, spread misinformation and facilitate financial fraud. Students were encouraged to question suspicious requests, verify identities independently and exercise caution while sharing personal information online.

The webinar also highlighted practical measures for digital protection, including using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, regularly updating devices, maintaining social media privacy and avoiding suspicious links and applications. Participants were cautioned against sharing confidential banking information, OTPs and UPI PINs under any circumstances.

Emphasising the importance of immediate action in case of cyber fraud, the session familiarised students with the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal www.cybercrime.gov.in. Students were advised to report financial fraud promptly, inform their respective banks, preserve digital evidence and seek assistance without hesitation.

The programme was also attended by Prof. Chandi Charan Rath, College Coordinator, AGACPS, and Shri Harihara Badapanda, Office Manager, AGACPS. The webinar was hosted and coordinated by Chaitali Shome, IEC and Social Media Coordinator, AGACPS, with support from Swati Prava Mishra, Pritinanda Mohapatra and Aviram Jena.

The initiative reaffirmed AGACPS’s commitment to creating a digitally aware, responsible and secure student community. It underscored that cybersecurity is no longer confined to technology professionals but has become an essential life skill for every citizen, particularly the younger generation.

As India advances towards a digitally empowered society, the message of the webinar was clear: Think Before You Click, Verify Before You Trust and Report Before It Is Too Late.

Be Aware. Be Alert. Be Secure. Together, Let Us Build a Cyber-Safe Odisha.