Guwahati, Feb 3: Assam Police on February 2 organised a National Capacity Building Workshop in Guwahati focused on cybersecurity, cyber hygiene and financial safety, underscoring the growing emphasis on tackling digital threats through awareness and preparedness. The programme was held under the Sishu Mitra initiative and brought together police personnel, members of civil society and representatives of community-based organisations.
The workshop reflected a collaborative approach, with participation from CyberPeace Corps, the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance, and Mastercard India. Officials said the initiative marked an important step in Assam Police’s broader efforts to strengthen digital safety frameworks and promote a culture of cyber awareness across the state.
The event was formally inaugurated by Sarmistha Barua, APS, Assistant Inspector General of Police (Women) and Nodal Officer of the Sishu Mitra Programme. In her address, Barua highlighted the rising complexity of cybercrime and financial fraud, stressing the need for coordinated and informed responses. She emphasised that both police personnel and community stakeholders must be equipped with updated knowledge and practical skills to effectively counter evolving cyber threats.
Throughout the day, sessions focused on building institutional readiness and enhancing grassroots-level response mechanisms. Participants discussed strategies to improve coordination between law enforcement agencies and local communities, with an emphasis on preparedness, timely action and shared responsibility. Real-life case studies and practical experiences were shared to help attendees translate learning into actionable responses.
A key theme of the workshop was the development of ‘Cyber First Responders’, highlighting the crucial role of trained law enforcement officers and community volunteers in addressing digital security incidents swiftly. The discussions underscored that early intervention, proper training and situational awareness are vital to limiting damage from cyber incidents and financial fraud.
Experts from CyberPeace Corps and Mastercard India engaged with participants on emerging trends in digital crime, best practices for maintaining cyber hygiene and the challenges posed by new technologies. The Department of Financial Services contributed insights on safeguarding financial transactions amid a surge in online fraud cases. Speakers collectively advocated a holistic approach that combines technical safeguards with sustained public awareness campaigns.
In a message shared on social media platform X, Assam Police stated that the initiative aims to strengthen awareness and response mechanisms against cybercrime and financial fraud at both institutional and community levels, reiterating the importance of continuous learning and vigilance in the digital age.
The workshop also featured interactive discussions on future collaboration in cybersecurity and cyber resilience, with participants exploring possibilities for joint training programmes, resource sharing and the creation of community-level cyber safety cells. Following the event, Major Vineet Kumar, Founder and Global President of CyberPeace, met Assam Director General of Police Gyanendra Pratap Singh to discuss avenues for long-term cooperation and the expansion of cyber safety initiatives in the state, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a secure and resilient digital ecosystem for citizens.
