DFS collaborates for NCSAM 2024 in October
The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, recently observed the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) with the theme #CyberJagruk Nagrik. The emphasis was on the shared responsibility of safeguarding online information and promoting a culture of cybersecurity. Throughout the month of October 2024, the NCSAM was successfully conducted in collaboration with regulators and financial institutions.
The main objective of this initiative was to foster a culture of digital vigilance and enhance cyber hygiene practices among employees, customers, and the general public. It served as a reminder that every digital user plays a vital role in securing their data and preventing breaches.
Under the initiative, the DFS conducted various events to educate, engage, and empower individuals. Some of these events included dedicated cybersecurity awareness sessions for officials of various departments. These sessions provided practical tips and resources for staying secure online, such as strong password management, identifying phishing attempts, and safeguarding personal information.
The DFS also participated in a Tabletop Exercise organized by CERT-In on October 22, 2024. In addition, a special awareness session was delivered by the Director General of CERT-In on October 24, 2024. This session was chaired by the DFS Secretary and attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, RBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, as well as MDs, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) from various public sector banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions.
Furthermore, in collaboration with NPCI, the DFS released a video on cyber financial fraud awareness on October 24, 2024. The video was also amplified on social media platforms. Additionally, a Cyber Awareness quiz competition was organized in collaboration with C-DAC for all DFS officials and staff.
In parallel, all the Regulated Entities under the DFS conducted a series of events aimed at raising awareness about cybersecurity best practices. These events included webinars, workshops, and a social media campaign. The activities included 178 awareness sessions, 86 workshops/webinars, engaging over 46,000 participants. Furthermore, 132 crore SMS and 3.3 crore emails were sent with cybersecurity tips. Daily webinars on cyber hygiene, digital security, and phishing prevention were also held. Creative engagement activities like cybersecurity-themed desktop wallpapers, Data Detox Days, and mascot-driven awareness campaigns were implemented. Competitions, including crosswords and quizzes, were organized to create a fun learning experience.
To reach a broader audience, the DFS used various platforms and mediums for customer and community engagement. Cybersecurity tips were sent via push notifications on mobile apps and displayed on digital screens at public venues such as metro stations and ATMs. Cybersecurity radio jingles were also broadcasted. Themed campaigns addressing scams such as ticket fraud, investment traps, and parcel scams were launched. Micro-campaigns on social media platforms emphasized safe digital practices, such as securing Wi-Fi, updating passwords, and protecting OTPs. A “Cyber Netra” comic booklet was created for a light-hearted approach to educating employees. Unique community engagements, including cybersecurity awareness booths at public events and a Cyber Safe Horizon webinar streamed on social platforms, were also organized. Furthermore, a quishing drill was conducted to evaluate employees’ ability to recognize malicious QR codes.
The DFS remains committed to fostering a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem and ensuring safe digital banking practices for all stakeholders, including the citizens of the country.
In conclusion, the National Cyber Security Awareness Month organized by the DFS was a comprehensive initiative that aimed to educate, engage, and empower individuals and organizations about the importance of cybersecurity. Through various events, sessions, competitions, and awareness campaigns, the DFS successfully raised awareness about cybersecurity best practices and promoted a culture of digital vigilance. The participation and collaboration of regulators, financial institutions, and the general public played a crucial role in making this initiative a success. The DFS continues to prioritize cybersecurity and ensure the safety of online information and transactions for all stakeholders.
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