India observes monthly cyber security awareness day: Chaksu based NGO prepares a module for high school students

India observes monthly cyber security awareness day: Chaksu based NGO prepares a module for high school students

India observes monthly Cyber Jaagrookta Diwas or Cyber Awareness Day on the first Wednesday of every month, a Ministry of Home Affairs initiative to promote cyber hygiene, alongside a broader aim , the observance focuses on best practices and evolving threats through campaigns and events. These efforts aim to educate citizens, students, and organizations about preventing cyber fraud and securing digital interactions.

The Focus Areas of the observance on creating awareness about cyber hygiene through a strong passwords, Educating on prevention of cyber fraud and crimes. Highlighting new trends like Zero Trust Architecture and Supply Chain Risk. In essence, India combines a recurring monthly awareness day with a comprehensive annual month-long event in October to build a vigilant and secure digital citizenry

Last year, Chaksu-based NGO, Bhavi Nirmam Society (BNS) participated in corporate sector supported course on Cyber Security and developed a modified model for high school students, the report of which was submitted to Commonwealth Association of Science, Technology and Mathematics Educators (CASTME) that promotes STEM education in Commonwealth countries. The modified and adapted project was guided by CASTME-India Adviser, Dr Lalit Kishore and module was prepared by Rama Sharma (BNS) and Chitra (AVM),

The abstract of the research report on the cyber security STEM module for high school students is as follows is as follows.

With digital technology becoming an essential part of learning process of students with smart phones, tablets and laptops in hands of most students even in rural areas worldwide, it becomes essential to carry out cyber security awareness education and training for teachers, students, care-givers and local community members. There exists a need to understand and avoid cyber threats, mitigating human error in use of technology and reducing security risks while using the digital technology for learning and socializing. A collaborative initiative was undertaken by an NGO, a private school and a theater expert teacher to create cyber security awareness multimodal module to provide training to students and reach out for awareness to their teachers, parents, caregivers, neighbourhood community in Jaipur district. The aim was to educate users of digital technology in recognizing, avoiding and reporting cyber threats and protection of technology users from cyber crimes and attacks. After learning from the sponsored project in schools at Chaksu, review and designing the multi-modal module of 30 hours with four components was designed for middle school students. The four components of the module were: (1) classroom instruction to learn related topics; (2) posters preparation and exhibition of posters open to students, parents, local community; (3) Street play scripting, students' training and stage performance a larger audience; and (4) awareness slogans and rally organization. After the try-out the collaborative team reviewed the the initiative and produced a 30-hour fine-tuned module for use at the senior school level. The STEAM integration the module was seen in the following way: science as process-based development of module; technology was in the form proper handling of the smart devices; engineering in the form of development and designing of poster; art as performance of street play, and mathematics as measurements and statistical analysis of changes in perception and behaviour in the responsible use of smart devices.