1. Event Overview

The Institute of Advanced Research (IAR), Gandhinagar, in collaboration with CyberPeace Foundation and with support from Google.org, successfully organised a Cybersecurity Awareness Boot Camp on 28 October 2026 at the IAR University campus, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, under the CyberPeace First Responder Program.

The boot camp aimed to strengthen cybersecurity awareness among students by providing insights into prevalent cyber threats, online safety practices, digital fraud prevention, and responsible technology usage. The initiative focused on equipping students with the knowledge and awareness required to identify potential cyber threats, respond responsibly to online risks, and promote a safer digital environment within their peer groups.

2. Participating Institutions

Students and representatives from the following institutions participated in the awareness programme:

• Podar International School, Gandhinagar
• Delhi Public School, Gandhinagar
• Ananta Institute of Nursing, Gandhinagar

The participation of students from diverse educational backgrounds provided an opportunity to promote cybersecurity awareness across different academic communities.

3. Key Areas Covered

The boot camp addressed several important aspects of cybersecurity and digital safety, including:

• Phishing Attacks and Online Scams: Understanding common phishing techniques, fraudulent messages, suspicious links, and methods used by cybercriminals to deceive individuals.
• AI-Generated Deepfakes: Raising awareness about AI-generated manipulated content and the importance of verifying digital information before trusting or sharing it.
• Cybercrime Reporting Mechanisms: Familiarising participants with appropriate cybercrime reporting procedures and the national cybercrime helpline number 1930.
• Safe Social Media and Digital App Usage: Promoting responsible online behaviour, privacy protection, and secure usage of social media platforms and digital applications.
• Emerging Cyber Threats: Highlighting evolving online fraud techniques and encouraging students to remain alert to changing cyber risks.
• Peer-to-Peer Awareness: Encouraging students to share cybersecurity knowledge, guide their peers, and contribute to a culture of digital responsibility.

4. Programme Outcomes

The Cybersecurity Awareness Boot Camp contributed to strengthening participants' understanding of online safety, cyber threat identification, and responsible digital practices. Through the key learning areas covered, students were encouraged to recognise suspicious online activities, exercise caution while interacting with digital platforms, and understand the importance of timely cybercrime reporting.

The programme also reinforced the role of students as potential CyberPeace First Responders, encouraging them to extend cybersecurity awareness beyond the classroom by guiding their peers and promoting safe digital practices within their communities.

5. Acknowledgements

The successful organisation of the programme was made possible through the collaboration and support of the Institute of Advanced Research (IAR), Gandhinagar, CyberPeace Foundation, and Google.org.

Special appreciation is extended to Mr. Vikas Kumar, Senior Manager – Operations, CyberPeace Foundation, for his valuable contribution and support. Sincere gratitude is also conveyed to the participating institutions, faculty members, and students for their cooperation and active involvement in advancing the objectives of the initiative.

6. Conclusion

The Cybersecurity Awareness Boot Camp at the Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, marked an important step towards strengthening cybersecurity awareness among students in Gujarat. By focusing on threat identification, online fraud prevention, cybercrime reporting, and responsible digital behaviour, the programme supported the broader objective of developing an informed and cyber-resilient generation.

Through the CyberPeace First Responder Program, CyberPeace Foundation, in collaboration with its institutional partners and with support from Google.org, continues to encourage students to become responsible digital citizens and proactive advocates of cybersecurity awareness.

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