The Department of Computer Science, in collaboration with Career Training Internship Placement (CTIP) Cell and TechTrendz Club, under the guidance of faculty in-charge Mr. Sameer Patil, Ms. Samira Vengurlekar, Mr. Amogh Pai Raiturkar and Ms. Yugandhara Joshi successfully organized a session on “Safeguarding Our Digital Future: An Introduction to Cybersecurity” on 21st September 2024, between 11:45 AM to 1:15 PM, in Hall1, Central Block of the college.
The session’s objective was to raise awareness among students about the growing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age and to provide them with basic knowledge and tools to safeguard their online presence.
The session was conducted by Mr. Nikhil Malagi, an expert in the field of cybersecurity and Managing Director of Balchandra Technologies. He commenced the session with an introduction to the critical role of cybersecurity in the increasingly interconnected digital world.
Key topics covered during the session included:
- Cyber Threats and Vulnerabilities: Malagi elaborated on different types of cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and ransomware, providing real-life examples to illustrate their impact.
- Best Practices for Online Safety: He shared essential tips for securing personal and professional data online, including the use of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and secure browsing habits.
- The Role of Cyber Security in Business: Malagi discussed how organizations are heavily investing in cyber security measures to protect their data and highlighted the importance of ethical hacking and penetration testing in keeping systems secure.
- Career Opportunities in Cyber Security: Toward the end, the speaker emphasized the growing demand for cyber security professionals and provided insights on how students can build a career in this field.
Students raised various questions related to password management, the role of AI in cyber security, and potential job opportunities in the field. Mr. Malagi provided detailed and insightful responses, encouraging students to stay informed about the latest trends and tools in cybersecurity.
The session proved to be highly informative and practical, with active participation from all 68 students (42 male, 26 female) from various programmes. Mr. Malagi successfully imparted essential knowledge on cyber security, leaving the attendees with a strong understanding of how to protect their digital assets. The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive. Shaina Kamat hosted the session, and Nidhi Nagvekar proposed the vote of thanks.
Expected Outcome of the Activity:
The session on cyber security enhanced students’ awareness of the importance of online security in their personal and professional lives, highlighting potential risks and protective measures. They gained knowledge of various cyber threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware, and learned how to identify and prevent them. Practical tips such as creating strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication were provided to improve their online safety. The session sparked increased interest in cyber security careers, with many students exploring fields like ethical hacking and penetration testing. Students were empowered to take immediate action to secure their digital presence and expressed positive feedback, with a strong interest in further learning, internships, and certifications in cybersecurity.
