The Assam Police organised a National Capacity Building Workshop in Guwahati with a focus on cybersecurity, cyber hygiene, and financial safety. The day-long programme brought together police officers, members of civil society, and representatives of community-based organisations to discuss growing digital risks and ways to respond to them in a practical manner.
The workshop was held under the Sishu Mitra Programme and aimed at improving awareness and preparedness at both the institutional and community levels. With the increasing use of digital platforms for communication, banking, and services, the organisers said there was a clear need to strengthen understanding of cyber threats and online fraud, especially at the grassroots level.
The event saw collaboration from multiple partners, including the CyberPeace Corps, the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance, and Mastercard India. Officials said this joint approach reflected the growing importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and civil society to address cybercrime effectively.
The formal inauguration of the workshop was led by Sarmistha Barua, Assistant Inspector General of Police (Women) and Nodal Officer of the Sishu Mitra Programme. In her opening remarks, she spoke about the rapid rise in cybercrime and financial fraud cases and the challenges they pose for both police and the public.
Barua stressed that digital threats are becoming more complex and that timely knowledge and training are essential. She said police personnel and community members must be equipped with updated information and practical skills so that they can respond quickly and correctly when cyber incidents occur. According to her, awareness at the local level can play a key role in preventing fraud and reducing losses.
Throughout the day, several sessions were conducted to build capacity and improve coordination between different stakeholders. These sessions focused on understanding common forms of cybercrime, identifying early warning signs, and improving response mechanisms. Participants discussed how organisations and communities can work together to create safer digital spaces.
The workshop also provided a platform for sharing real-life experiences and case studies. Speakers explained how certain cyber incidents unfolded and what steps were taken to address them. These discussions helped participants understand the practical side of cybercrime and learn lessons that can be applied in future situations.
A key theme of the workshop was the concept of developing “Cyber First Responders.” Officials explained that these are trained individuals who can take immediate action when a cyber incident is reported. The idea is to ensure that frontline police officers, volunteers, and community members are able to respond quickly, contain damage, and guide victims in the right direction.
Special emphasis was placed on training frontline personnel and community volunteers. Speakers said early action can make a significant difference in limiting the impact of cyberattacks and financial fraud. They added that even basic awareness about reporting procedures and digital hygiene can help prevent serious harm.
Representatives from CyberPeace Corps and Mastercard India interacted with participants and shared insights into current trends in digital crime. They spoke about common methods used by cybercriminals and explained simple steps that individuals and organisations can take to protect themselves. Topics such as safe online behaviour, strong passwords, and caution while sharing personal information were discussed in detail.