Over 4 Million Students, Teachers and Parents Join Odisha’s Statewide Cyber Awareness Campaign

Bhubaneswar, August 14: In one of the largest cyber safety initiatives ever undertaken in Odisha, more than 40 lakh (4 million) students, teachers and parents participated in a statewide cyber awareness campaign on Friday. The programme was organised across schools and educational institutions to promote safe and responsible use of digital platforms and strengthen awareness against rising cyber crimes.

The campaign was conducted simultaneously across the state with active participation from schools, education authorities and the Odisha Police. Awareness sessions focused on cyber hygiene, online fraud prevention, safe use of social media, protection of personal data, digital payments, cyberbullying and reporting cybercrime.

Officials urged students and parents to remain alert against phishing links, fake job offers, OTP frauds, identity theft and other online scams. Participants were also educated on the importance of using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication and verifying suspicious messages before sharing personal or financial information.

The initiative aims to build a cyber-aware society by encouraging responsible digital behaviour among young internet users and their families. Authorities said such awareness programmes are essential as the number of internet users and digital transactions continues to grow across the state.

The state government, in collaboration with the Odisha Police and the School & Mass Education Department, reaffirmed its commitment to making cyberspace safer through continuous public awareness campaigns, digital literacy programmes and community participation.