As part of Vigilance Awareness Week 2026, the University of Hyderabad hosted an insightful talk on “Cyber Awareness & Cyber Hygiene,” delivered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Sharma, Director of the Computer Centre on November 2, 2026. The event was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof. J. Anuradha. The Deans of Schools, the Deputy Dean of Students’ Welfare (DSW), the Finance Officer, as well as various university officers and staff members attended the session.
Dr. Sharma provided practical strategies to navigate the modern digital landscape safely, covering crucial topics including:
Mobile & Identity Security: Essential practices for securing mobile devices, safeguarding identity documents, and enabling SIM locks to prevent unauthorized access.
Data Privacy & Fraud Prevention: Common methods used by cybercriminals to compromise OTPs, misuse data, and exploit unconditional call forwarding.
Application & Account Hygiene: The importance of scrutinizing app permissions prior to installation, removing high-risk apps, and configuring strict WhatsApp settings—such as two step verification, disabling auto-download media, and enforcing Strict account settings.
System & Browser Settings: Best practices for Gmail security, Google account configurations, and optimizing browser security settings, disabling third party apps and unchecking “Include Voice and audio activity.”
Incident Response & Mitigation: Clear guidance on handling hacked social media accounts and reporting cyber incidents at both individual and organizational levels.
Dr. Sharma concluded the talk by advising participants to minimize their digital footprint to reduce exposure to potential threats, not to act in hurry and follow a Wait, Think and react approach.
The session reinforced the university’s commitment to fostering a vigilant and cyber-secure community.
Dr. Devesh Nigam, Registrar, proposed the vote of thanks.