Noida, August 23, 2025 – On Friday, Noida became a hub for learning how to stay safe online as the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Sciences (UPSIFS) and Noida Police joined hands to host a cybercrime awareness workshop. Held at the Police Commissionerate Office in Gautam Budhnagar, the event drew over 250 participants, including business owners, lawyers, police officers, and everyday citizens. The goal? To tackle the growing threat of cybercrime in a world where digital scams are becoming all too common.
Titled “Cybercrime and Data Protection: Challenges and Solutions,” the workshop focused on practical ways to protect personal and business data. Dr. G.K. Goswami, the founding director of UPSIFS, kicked things off, stressing that data is now as valuable as money. “In this digital age, protecting your information is as crucial as locking your house,” he told the crowd. He explained how scams like “digital house arrest”, where criminals use fake calls to scare people into sending money, are on the rise. Goswami urged everyone to be cautious about sharing personal details online.
Noida Police Commissioner Lakshmi Singh also spoke, sharing how the city is stepping up its fight against cybercrime. With cases like fake job offers and bank frauds spiking, the police are training officers to act fast. “We’re setting up cyber help desks at every police station to make reporting easier,” Singh said. She highlighted the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, and the website cybercrime.gov.in, where victims can quickly report fraud. The workshop also covered the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, which could soon slap hefty fines, up to Rs 250 crore, on those who steal data.
Participants got hands-on tips, like spotting fake calls from people pretending to be from the police or banks. They learned how criminals use tricks like AI-generated voices to trap victims. The event also featured real-life stories from cybercrime victims, showing just how damaging these scams can be.
The workshop wasn’t just about warnings, it offered solutions too. Experts talked about using strong passwords, checking privacy settings, and running regular cyber audits to keep systems safe. For businesses, there were tips on securing online transactions and protecting customer data. Police officials shared how they’re using forensic tools and mobile vans to track down cybercriminals across UP’s 75 districts.
This event builds on a bigger push by the Yogi Adityanath government to make Uttar Pradesh cyber-safe. Just days earlier, on August 18, the Chief Minister launched a three-day international workshop on cybercrime, also organized by UPSIFS. That event, attended by experts from India and abroad, set the stage for Friday’s Noida workshop, showing the state’s commitment to tackling digital threats.
For Noida, a city where cybercrimes like UPI fraud and online scams have jumped in recent years, this workshop is a game-changer. With over 2,500 fraud cases reported in 2020 alone, the need for awareness is clear. Locals left the event feeling empowered, armed with simple steps to stay safe. “It’s not just about tech, it’s about being smart with what you share,” said a participant. As Noida grows as a tech hub, such workshops are a vital step toward a safer digital future.
