NIELIT empowers CSC/VLE to combat cyber threats

DIMAPUR — In response to the escalating number of cyber frauds plaguing the state, the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) conducted a workshop for Community Service Centre’s Village Level Entrepreneurs (CSC/VLE) at Dimapur centre on Tuesday with an aim of transforming them into master trainers on cyber security.

An update from NIELIT stated that the workshop highlighted an urgent need to disseminate cyber security education to every corner of the state.

During the workshop, participants were briefed on the alarming statistics of cyber frauds and the diverse range of threats faced by individuals in today’s digital age, from social engineering and identity thefts to AI-enabled deep fakes and sextortion.

Recognising the critical role of community-level intervention, it stated that CSC/VLE were equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to educate and empower citizens in safeguarding their digital assets.

Rahul Dasgupta, resource person, shared insights into the interactive multilingual cyber security educational mobile App called ‘Initiative for cyber secure aware society’ (ICSAS), developed by NIELIT Kohima. It stated that the user-friendly ICSAS app empowers citizens with comprehensive online safety knowledge, helping them stay ahead of cyber threats.

Packed with features like videos, dos and don’ts, gamification elements, quizzes, and a ‘tip of the day’ section, the app offers an immersive learning experience. It also included an AI-based face detection attendance system, cybercrime reporting, and geolocation features to locate nearby police stations for reporting cyber incidents.

Rahul informed that the ICSAS App was launched during the G-20 digital economy working group meet in Bengaluru on August 17, 2023. The app is currently available in multiple languages, 14 Naga languages, Hindi, English, Mizo, Nepali, and 7 international languages such as Spanish, French, German, Russian, Mandarin-Chinese, Basha-Indonesian, and Arabic.

It mentioned that ICSAS App has been specifically designed to enhance the training process and ensure widespread dissemination of cyber security information.

“By leveraging the extensive reach of CSCs and the dedication of VLEs, we can effectively disseminate cyber security awareness to even the remotest corners of the state,” said Daniel Meren, Scientist E at NIELIT, Dimapur.

He added that the initiative was a testament of their efforts in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.

“Through innovative tools such as the ICSAS Apps, we aim to empower CSC/VLEs to spearhead a Cyber Security awareness campaign that reaches every segment of society,” Meren added.

With the knowledge and resources gained from the workshop, report stated that VLEs are now poised to train over 20,000 citizens across the state on cyber hygiene and ethics.

It further stated that the ambitious goal reflected NIELIT’s commitment to creating a secure and resilient digital ecosystem, where every citizen is equipped with the necessary skills to protect themselves from cyber threats.