Awareness against cybercrimes stressed

SARGODHA:

Experts have emphasised the need for heightened awareness among the youth regarding risks posed by cybercrimes.

They were addressing a seminar organized by the University of Sargodha

Faculty of Computing and Information Technology and Department of Sociology and Criminology on ‘The role of educational institutions in preparing youth against threats of cybercrime’.

The university’s Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Mian Ghulam Yaseen highlighted the rapid societal changes brought about by information technology and the concerning negative impacts emerging as a result. He emphasised the need for heightened awareness among the youth regarding risks posed by cybercrimes and the importance of equipping them with skills to combat cybersecurity challenges.

He stressed the responsibility of students to educate the general public about cybersecurity risks, thereby contributing to a safer digital environment. He also emphasised the importance of updating curricula to include information on emerging cybersecurity threats and empowering students to mitigate the risks through social engineering and IT expertise.

He emphasied the positive transformational potential of technology for economic development and cautioned against its misuse for malicious purposes.

The professor lauded the exemplary role of law enforcement agencies in combating cybercrimes and called for collective efforts from all segments of society.

District Police Officer Faisal Kamran highlighted the emergence of new forms of crimes in the digital age, including data theft, fraud and cyberterrorism, and stressed the need for a coordinated response from educational institutions and law enforcement agencies to address the challenges effectively.

Dr Muhammad Illyas stressed the need for society to adapt to rapid technological advancement and emphasised the critical role of education in equipping individuals with skills to navigate the evolving cyber landscape.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th, 2024.