CyberPeace, in collaboration with the 3 Girls Battalion, National Cadet Corps (NCC), conducted a cyber safety and awareness programme aimed at equipping young cadets with practical knowledge to identify, prevent and respond to emerging cyber threats and online frauds.

As digital technologies continue to become an integral part of everyday life, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting social media, digital payments, artificial intelligence and communication platforms to target individuals. Recognising the importance of building cyber awareness among young citizens, the session focused on developing safe and responsible digital practices among NCC cadets.

Building Awareness for a Safer Digital Future

The awareness programme introduced cadets to common cyber threats and fraud techniques that they may encounter in their personal, academic and social lives. Through practical discussions and real-world examples, participants were encouraged to adopt a cautious and informed approach while using digital platforms.

The session highlighted the importance of verifying information, protecting personal and financial data, recognising suspicious online behaviour and reporting cyber incidents promptly.

Key Cyber Threats Covered

During the programme, the cadets were sensitised to several emerging and commonly observed cyber threats, including:

AI-Powered Scams and Deepfakes

Participants learned how artificial intelligence can be misused to create convincing fake images, videos, audio and identities. The session emphasised the importance of verifying digital content before believing or sharing it.

UPI and Online Financial Fraud

Cadets were made aware of common digital payment scams, including fraudulent payment requests, fake customer-care numbers, QR-code scams and social-engineering techniques used to manipulate victims into transferring money.

Phishing Attacks and Malicious Links

The session explained how attackers use deceptive emails, SMS messages, websites and social media communications to steal credentials and sensitive information. Cadets were encouraged to verify URLs and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

Social Media Deception

Participants were sensitised to fake profiles, impersonation, misleading content and social engineering on social media platforms. The importance of maintaining privacy and limiting the sharing of sensitive personal information was also highlighted.

Phone, SMS and Messaging Scams

Cadets learned about fraudulent calls and messages involving fake deliveries, KYC updates, account suspension warnings, job offers, government schemes and other deceptive claims designed to create urgency and extract sensitive information.

Empowering Young Digital Citizens

The programme emphasised that cybersecurity is not solely a technical responsibility. Every individual has an important role to play in creating a safer digital ecosystem.

The cadets were encouraged to adopt simple but effective cyber hygiene practices, such as:

• Using strong and unique passwords.
• Enabling multi-factor authentication wherever available.
• Never sharing OTPs, PINs or banking credentials.
• Verifying suspicious messages and calls through official channels.
• Avoiding unknown links and unverified applications.
• Reviewing privacy settings on social media platforms.
• Reporting suspected cybercrime at the earliest opportunity.

Strengthening Community Cyber Resilience

As future leaders and responsible citizens, NCC cadets can play an important role in spreading cyber safety awareness among their families, peers and communities. By equipping young people with the knowledge to recognise digital threats, such programmes contribute to building a culture of cyber responsibility and resilience.

The collaboration between CyberPeace and 3 Girls Battalion NCC reflects the importance of combining cybersecurity awareness with youth empowerment. The initiative seeks to ensure that young citizens are not only better protected from online threats but are also capable of becoming responsible advocates for digital safety.

Conclusion

The cyber safety awareness programme provided NCC cadets with practical knowledge and actionable guidance to navigate the evolving digital landscape more safely and confidently.

Every informed cadet can become a digital guardian—helping strengthen cyber resilience within their communities and contributing towards a safer and more secure digital India.

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