Workshop on Cybersecurity in the Digital World

Udaipur: With increasing dependence on the digital world, the need for cybersecurity has grown significantly. Rising threats like cybercrimes, data breaches, and system damage have made it imperative—especially for women—to remain alert and informed. These views emerged during a workshop organized by CUTS at the training auditorium of ALERT Sansthan in Gogunda.

The workshop was conducted by CUTS Chittorgarh, in collaboration with The Asia Foundation, with the aim of enhancing the capacity and awareness of operators of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) regarding cybersecurity and the growing menace of cybercrimes.

Madan Giri Goswami, Programme Officer at CUTS, informed that awareness workshops are being organized across the district for representatives of certified business units to educate them about cyber frauds and safety practices.

Akarsh Bhargava, Cybersecurity Programme In-charge from CUTS Jaipur, provided an overview of cybersecurity essentials and India’s cybercrime landscape. He highlighted that 30% of India’s GDP is contributed by MSMEs, and that 60% of individuals associated with these enterprises have been impacted by cybercrimes, which have seen a 300% rise since 2021. Alarmingly, 43% of cyberattacks in India are targeted at small businesses.

B.K. Gupta, Director of ALERT Sansthan, emphasized the need for both small and large-scale entrepreneurs to unite and launch awareness campaigns against cyber threats.

Hema Sharma from CUTS Jaipur elaborated on various forms of cybercrimes such as WhatsApp hacking, SIM swapping, OTP fraud, loan application frauds, call-forwarding scams, cyber extortion, crypto and trading-based frauds, and social engineering crimes—all of which deeply impact the economy and MSMEs.

Prakash Meghwal from Hand in Hand India informed participants about the 1930 Cyber Helpline, encouraging prompt reporting of cybercrimes.

Jitendra Mehta, President of ALERT Sansthan, emphasized that cybersecurity awareness is crucial for women. By sharing this knowledge with rural women, mothers, sisters, and daughters, they can collectively ensure safety in the digital space.

Speakers like Fatehlal and Seema Suthar also shared their views. The workshop witnessed participation from 64 individuals, including women entrepreneurs from 20 Self-Help Groups associated with ALERT Sansthan and Hand in Hand India.