As cyber threats continue to rise across India, Gauhati University has taken a major step to strengthen digital awareness among students. The university has announced a Cyber Hygiene Internship Programme, launched through its NSS Cell in collaboration with Assam Police, giving learners a chance to understand online safety from real experts.
The initiative was officially inaugurated on December 3, 2025 and aims to help students recognize online risks, protect their data and develop responsible digital habits. Whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate student in Assam or anywhere in Northeast India, this internship provides a strong foundation in cybersecurity essentials.
Why Cyber Hygiene Matters for Today’s Students
College students are among the most frequent internet users and unfortunately, also among the most common targets of phishing scams, online fraud and social engineering attacks.
This internship is designed to help students:
- Understand how cybercriminals operate
- Identify suspicious online activities
- Adopt safe digital habits
- Protect personal data across devices
With India witnessing a sharp jump in digital fraud cases, programmes like this are essential. Gauhati University’s initiative supports the national movement toward creating cyber-aware youth who can safely navigate technology-driven careers.
Programme Highlights and Key Learning Sessions
The Cyber Hygiene Internship includes multiple expert-led sessions focusing on practical cyber safety. Several high-ranking officials and cybersecurity specialists participated in the launch, making it a truly impactful learning experience.
Key speakers and mentors included:
- Gitanjali Doley, APS, Addl. SP, CID
- Shikhar Dwivedi, Cybersecurity Consultant
- Shalini Rathore, People & Culture Head
- Deepak Das, ACP, Cyber Crime Branch
Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice-Chancellor, graced the launch of the programme and highlighted the significance of cyber awareness in the modern education system. IGP Vivek Raj Singh, the Registrar Prof. Utpal Sarma among other senior officials and academic heads were also in attendance.
Core topics covered:
- Identifying common online threats
- Understanding phishing, malware and social engineering
- Learning how to create strong, secure passwords
- Practicing safe browsing habits
- Protecting personal data on social media and devices
- Building cyber safety communities in colleges
By focusing on simple yet effective habits, the programme ensures that students gain practical skills they can use immediately.
How This Internship Helps Your Career
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in India and even basic knowledge of digital safety can significantly boost a student’s resume. This internship helps learners stand out by:
- Offering a recognized certificate from Gauhati University
- Providing direct exposure to cybersecurity professionals and law enforcement
- Enhancing employability for roles in IT, digital marketing and data security
- Building early-stage knowledge useful for cybersecurity, analytics and tech careers
For students in Assam and the Northeast who want to explore cybersecurity further, this programme is a great first step.
Impact on Digital Safety Across Northeast India
This initiative is more than an academic workshop, it represents a larger movement toward creating secure digital environments across campuses in the Northeast.
By partnering with Assam Police, Gauhati University is ensuring students receive accurate, up-to-date insights into real-world cybercrime.
As participants share their learnings with friends, classmates and communities, the positive impact spreads far beyond the university walls. It strengthens regional cyber awareness and encourages safe online behavior among young internet users.
The Growing Concern: Cyber Threat Trends in India
India saw a massive increase in cyber incidents in 2025, with phishing and account fraud reported as the most common threats affecting students. The lack of awareness and poor online practices often make young people easy targets.
The Cyber Hygiene Internship helps close this gap by teaching students:
- How attackers trick victims
- Why strong passwords matter
- How to confirm the authenticity of emails and links
- How to maintain digital hygiene on smartphones and laptops
This practical understanding is essential for navigating today’s tech-driven world safely.
How Students Can Make the Most of This Internship
To get maximum benefit from the programme, students should:
- Attend all sessions actively
- Practice new safety habits in daily online usage
- Update passwords regularly
- Avoid clicking on unknown links or sharing sensitive information
- Share their insights with peers through social media or college groups
