Gunupur : A Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign was organized today at the MBA Auditorium of GIET University, Gunupur, in collaboration with the Rayagada District Administration and District Police.
The event was inaugurated by Shri Ashutosh Kulkarni, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate of Rayagada, who served as the chief guest. He interacted with university students and commended their innovative ideas on cybersecurity awareness. The Collector congratulated all participants for their active involvement and emphasized the importance of promoting cybersecurity awareness in both urban and rural communities.
Ms. Swathy S Kumar, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Rayagada, attended as the guest of honor and addressed the audience on various forms of cybercrime, such as OTP scams, fraudulent websites, phishing messages, and social media hacking. She elucidated measures for the public to remain vigilant and safeguard themselves from such threats.
Mr. Abhishek Dilip Dudhal, IAS, Sub Collector (SDM), Gunupur, also addressed the gathering as a chief guest, urging the importance of both individual and community vigilance through such awareness programmes to counter cyber fraud. GIET University Vice President, Prof. Dr. Chandra Dhwaj Panda, extended gratitude to the district and police administrations for facilitating the campaign and acknowledged the proactive participation of students in furthering cybersecurity education.
The event was presided over by Vice Chancellor, Prof. A.V.N.L. Sharma. Additional Superintendent of Police, Amulya Dhar, was also present. The welcome address was delivered by Deputy Dean of Computer Science, Dr. K. Murali Gopal, while Prof. S.N. Das proposed the vote of thanks.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Gunupur Police Officer Babul Nayak, IIC Kamalakant Basant Kumar, University Director General Dr. Jagadish Panda, and Registrar Dr. N.V.J. Rao, in addition to faculty, staff, and students of the university.
Several students recognized for excellence at national-level hackathons pertaining to cybersecurity awareness participated in the event. More than 50 students were formally presented with certificates and mementos by the district administration in recognition of their contributions.
The Cybersecurity Awareness Program will continue as a month-long series of activities across various parts of Rayagada district, reinforcing the university’s commitment to digital safety and informed citizenship.
