CYBER SAFETY AWARENESS SESSION 17.01.2025

The world is undergoing rapid digital transformation, driven by the continuous evolution of technology. However, this progress is accompanied by increasingly sophisticated and frequent cyberattacks. Consequently, protecting individuals and organizations from such threats has become critically important. The constant evolution of cyber threats necessitates continuous updates to security measures and the spreading of awareness.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has also faced instances where compromises in cybersecurity were identified. This prompted an urgent need to organize a Cyber Safety Awareness program. Rising to the occasion, the Vigilance Division of NMC, in collaboration with the Special Cyber Crime Branch of Delhi Police, organized a Cyber Safety Awareness Session on 17th January 2025 at the Dhanvantri Auditorium, NMC.

Shri Manoj Kumar, Assistant Commissioner of Police, along with his team, conducted the session. Through audio-visual presentations and real-life examples of cyber fraud, the session proved to be not only informative but also highly relevant to the audience.

Important Aspects covered during the session

1. Types of Cyber Crime and the How to Prevent :

   Various types of cyber crimes were discussed, few of them are as below:
1. Hacking of the e-mail : How e-mail id can be hacked was discussed in detail and preventive measures like Using two-factor authentication, do not open SPAM mails or e-mails sent from unknown senders, be cautions while opening links sent in unsolicited e-mails even if they are sent from someone in your contact-list, Keep your e-mail password long and difficult etc.
2. Using Mobile phones/ Laptops/ Tablets: Always have a lock screen on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc protected by a PIN or password. Do not keep your device open and unattended even for a minute, esp. in public places and your workplace. Do not click on attractive and tempting links sent over a WhatsApp message or routine SMS. They may lead you to malicious pages and cause malware intrusion on your system/device
3. Crimes being committed on or as a result of Social Media: crimes like cyberbullying, cyber stalking, creating fake accounts, or impersonation accounts, to trick people (as opposed to just remaining anonymous), can also be punished as fraud depending on the actions the fake/impersonation account holder takes.
4. Mobile app related crimes: the Android Market has been targeted with several incidents of malicious or Trojanized apps. Because of Android’s open nature policy and lax regulations for app developers, it is easier for potential attackers to upload and distribute malware disguised as apps via the Android Market. Moreover, third-party app stores expose more potential risks to users
5. Net banking/ ATM fraud : While each type of virtual attack attempts to steal personal information like bank statements and credit card numbers, they take different approaches. Phishing uses emails and links, smishing uses text messages or common messaging apps, and vishing uses voice calls and voicemails to obtain sensitive information. For ATMs related frauds criminals install devices on ATMs that capture card information. The device reads the magnetic strip on your card and records the card number, CVV, and expiration date
6. Data theft: It is the theft of software through the illegal copying and selling of copyrighted data or software codes in open market without permission of the owner's company. Never allow your employees to copy/share the data/software on their personnel gadgets/emails/external drives and along with that make company devices secured to prevent data theft from the devices. To prevent outsiders from gaining access to private information on your network, enable your operating system’s firewall or purchase reputable firewall software.

2. For Cyber Fraud Dial 1930 :

   It is the official Cyber Crime Helpline of the Delhi Police (and other Indian states) dedicated to address cybercrime-related complaints. It operates under the initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to provide a centralized platform for reporting cybercrimes, particularly financial frauds. Victims can report cyber financial frauds in real time, enabling quick action to freeze or recover funds. The helpline operates 24 X 7 to assist citizens. It works in coordination with banks, payment service providers, and law enforcement agencies to track and mitigate fraudulent transactions. Online frauds (e.g., phishing, UPI scams, credit/debit card frauds), fake online job offers, cyber extortion and blackmail and impersonation and identity theft e.t.c.

3. Sanchar Saathi portal :

   The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced the Sanchar Saathi portal, a citizen-centric initiative designed to empower mobile subscribers, enhance security, and raise awareness about government services. Accessible via the web at sancharsaathi.gov.in, the platform offers a suite of features aimed at safeguarding users to Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset, Know Mobile Connections registered in Your Name, Report Suspected Fraud & Unsolicited Commercial Communication through 'Chakshu', Users can verify the authenticity of their mobile devices using the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, Report Incoming International Calls with Indian Numbers and one can even Know Wireline Internet Service Provider. Additionally, the portal offers an awareness section titled "Keep Yourself Aware," providing the latest updates and educational material on various aspects related to end-user security, telecom, and information security.

4. How to register your complaint :

   Complaints can be registered online by accessing the link https://cybercrime.gov.in/ or by filing FIR in the nearest Police station or through District cyber cells.

VIGILANCE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN & WEEk, 2024

The National Medical Commission (NMC), as directed by Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), observed Vigilance Awareness Campaign and Week, 2024, with this year’s theme "Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity." The following activities were conducted by Vigilance Division :

1. Display of message from Chairperson and Chief Vigilance Officer on NMC’s website : At the commencement of the campaign, messages from the Chairperson and Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) were displayed on the NMC website to mark the observance of the Vigilance Awareness Campaign & Week.
2. Conduct of Competitions : Slogan writing, poster making & essay writing competitions on topics such as importance of integrity at workplace, evil of corruption, moral principles of work force, break the chain and the stain: build a brighter future, integrity a solution to combat corruption & role of NMC in making India vigilant and prosperous. A total number of 137 entries was received for these three competitions. These competitions based on integrity-related themes helped in increasing the participation of employees of NMC in the Vigilance Awareness Campaign and promote integrity among the employees.
3. Workshop/Sensitization Programmes : The Commission organised a three day lecture series on preventive vigilance, ethics, and some preventive vigilance case studies. These sessions featured expert speakers from Govt. Training Instituions who shared their expertise on the subject. These sessions were designed to enhance the understanding of vigilance and ethics among Officers and Staff (including contractual personnel) of the NMC.
4. Displaying of banners/posters/standies/quotations : Multiple banners/posters/standies/quotations related to preventive vigilance, integrity and ethical practices including winners’ entries from slogan writing, essay writing and poster making competitions were installed/placed throughout the NMC premises to raise awareness among the employees.

    

5. Prize Distribution Ceremony : Winners of these three competitions were awarded by a cash prize of Rs. 2000/- (1st place), Rs. 1500/- (2nd place) and Rs. 1000/- (3rd place) by the Acting Chairperson, Secretary, and CVO of NMC. Additionally, all participants received participation certificates.

6. Integrity Pledge : An Integrity Pledge, administered virtually by the Hon'ble Health Minister, Shri J. P. Nadda, was a significant highlight of the Vigilance Awareness Week, promoting ethical practices and fostering a culture of integrity. A total number of 192 employees of NMC has undertaken the Integrity Pledge through video conferencing on 28th October, 2024.

VIGILANCE AWARENESS WEEK- INTEGRITY PLEDGE, 2023

1. Today(6.11.2023), as a part of Vigilance Awareness week,Dr. B.N. Gangadhar, Chairman, National Medical Commission, administered the Integrity Pledge to the staff and officers in the National Medical Commission. This year, the theme of the Vigilance Awareness Week is - "Say No to Corruption; commit to the Nation”.

2. The Chairman, NMC while addressing the employees of the Commission emphasised that by taking this pledge we all should remind and recommit ourselves to promote transparency, integrity and accountability in our daily life as well as in official dealings. He further stressed that we, in collaboration with public and stake holders, should fight all forms of the corruption with our full strength.

Employees were also encouraged to take the pledge online by visiting the website of Central Vigilance Commission.

VIGILANCE AWARENESS WEEK- INTEGRITY PLEDGE, 2022

1. Vigilance Awareness Week was observed in NMC on 31.10.2022. On this day, Dr. Suresh Chandra Sharma, former Chairman, administered the Integrity Pledge to the staff and officers of National Medical Commission. The theme for the Vigilance Awareness Week was - "Corruption free India for a developed Nation".