ISLAMABAD, Oct 28 (APP): The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched a nationwide cyber awareness campaign, organising educational sessions in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gilgit and Sahiwal, besides an awareness session and walk in Abbottabad, to educate citizens about online fraud, cyber harassment and safe internet use.
According to an NCCIA official, the campaign was launched on the directions of Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi under the supervision of Director General NCCIA Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi.
He said the Faisalabad Circle organised an awareness session for students at Government Higher Secondary School and College Mananwala, while the Rawalpindi Circle conducted a special session for the minority community at the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Similarly, the NCCIA circles in Gujranwala, Peshawar, Lahore, Gilgit and Sahiwal arranged awareness sessions at different schools and colleges for students and teachers.
Abbottabad Circle organised a cyber awareness session at the Press Club, followed by an awareness walk attended by journalists, students, civil society members and NCCIA officers.
During the sessions, participants were briefed on safe internet use, responsible social media practices, online financial fraud, cyber harassment, protection of personal information and digital identities, and measures to prevent cybercrime.
NCCIA officers explained how cybercriminals use fake links, fraudulent social media profiles, misleading messages, fake calls and online harassment to target unsuspecting citizens.
They advised participants to avoid clicking unknown links, use strong and unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication and refrain from sharing personal information or photographs with unknown individuals.
The participants were also informed about the procedure for reporting suspicious online activities, harassment and financial fraud through the NCCIA helpline 1799.
The official said students, teachers, journalists and members of the minority community appreciated the awareness initiative and expressed interest in the continuation of such sessions.
Director General NCCIA Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said raising awareness among all sections of society was essential for building a safe Digital Pakistan.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
