HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Oct 29: “Awareness and common sense are the most effective defenses against cybercrime. Simple practices like creating strong, unique passwords and being cautious about clicking on suspicious links can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks,” said Pranab Jyoti Goswami, assistant inspector general of police (AIGP) and chief public relations officer (CPRO) of Assam Police. AIGP Goswami has also held the position of superintendent of police, Criminal Investigation Department, Assam. He delivered a special lecture on Cyber Security Awareness organised by the Department of Mass Communication & Journalism (MCJ), Tezpur University, on Tuesday.
AIGP Goswami’s insightful presentation delved into the evolution of the internet, tracing its origins to ARPANET (the technical foundation of the internet). He discussed the subsequent development of IT laws and regulations, particularly the Information Technology Act, designed to address the growing challenges of cybercrime.
The AIGP also explained the significance of data-sharing protocols and the critical role of ethical hacking in identifying vulnerabilities in digital systems. Goswami also touched upon the alarming issue of cybercrime in the financial sector, including stock market investment fraud. He emphasised the need for vigilance and awareness among individuals and organisations to safeguard their digital assets.
Prof Farheena Danta, dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, informed the audience about a recent phenomenon called digital arrest. Earlier, in the welcome address, Prof Abhijit Bora, head of the department of MCJ, highlighted how the rapid digitisation of various aspects of our lives has led to an increase in cyberattacks. AIGP Goswami also attended a special session with the students on the topic and answered their queries.






