The workshop formed part of ITDA’s Cyber Awareness Program, aiming to sensitize key stakeholders in the government to the growing threats in cyberspace and equip them with practical strategies to enhance cybersecurity.
Among the notable participants were representatives from the Directorate of School Education, SCERT Uttarakhand, and the Directorate of Secondary Education. Key education officials included:
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Pankaj Sharma, DD Representative, Directorate of School Education
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Mukesh Bahuguna, CAO, Representative, DG School Education, Uttarakhand
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Ramesh Prasad Badoni, ICT Lead, SCERT Uttarakhand
ThThese education leaders engaged deeply with cybersecurity experts to explore the implications of digital threats on educational institutions and to discuss collaborative strategies for securing school networks and online learning systems.
Arun Bisht, Assistant General Manager (AGM), ITDA, hosted and coordinated the workshop, ensuring smooth execution and cross-departmental collaboration through his proactive efforts.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Gaurav Kumar, Director, ITDA, followed by an insightful contextual overview by Tirth Pal Singh, Additional Director, ITDA. Both speakers emphasized the pressing need for government departments to fortify their IT infrastructure and promote a culture of cyber hygiene.
The keynote session, led by Rahul Mishra, Cybersecurity Advisor to the UP Police and an acclaimed expert in the field, shed light on the alarming rise in cybercrimes and the importance of proactive defense strategies. His presentation resonated strongly with participants from the education sector, highlighting vulnerabilities specific to educational platforms and data privacy.
Over 125 officials participated in person, and more than 50 government offices joined virtually, reflecting widespread commitment to digital security across departments.
This collaborative effort represents an important step in Uttarakhand’s journey toward creating a secure, aware, and digitally empowered governance framework, particularly within the education system. ITDA reaffirmed its commitment to providing continued support and capacity-building programs for all departments to counter evolving cyber threats effectively.