How Digital Transformation is Shaping India: Insights from a Cybersecurity Workshop
Bhubaneswar Workshop Highlights Cybersecurity Challenges
Bhubaneswar: The landscape of digital transformation is significantly altering lives and propelling national progress, yet it also introduces substantial cybersecurity risks. Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan emphasized the importance of understanding legal frameworks and practicing digital safety to safeguard both individual and societal interests during his address at a workshop on Saturday.
The workshop, titled “Securing Digital India: Challenges, Strategies and Legal Framework in the Cyber Age,” was organized by University Law College, Utkal University, as part of its golden jubilee celebrations. It gathered legal professionals, policymakers, scholars, and students to address the escalating threats posed by cybercrime and the pressing need for robust legal and technological responses.
S Dev Datta Singh, the Commissioner of Police for Bhubaneswar–Cuttack, delivered the keynote speech, characterizing cybercrime as a “complex and evolving issue.” He acknowledged the collaborative nature of law enforcement, which involves the legal system, civil society, and various stakeholders. He expressed gratitude to the Law Minister for empowering law enforcement to act decisively in ensuring public safety.
Singh also commended a student-produced video that illustrated how a victim of online blackmail received support from friends and family. He urged attendees, “Unfortunately, not everyone has such support; many endure in silence. My message is clear: speak out, don’t isolate yourself. Be cautious about clicking unknown links or sharing personal details. Most cybercrimes can be avoided through awareness and open dialogue.”
Principal Gaynendra Kumar Sahu noted that this was the Law Minister's first visit to the college in eight years. He remarked that the e-workshop signifies a fruitful collaboration between governance, legal expertise, and multidisciplinary engagement. He highlighted the inclusion of experts from technology, law enforcement, and psychological counseling to provide varied insights, stating, “Our goal is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of both the legal and technological aspects of cybercrime.”