The District Administration Kargil, in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Kargil and the Cyber Cell of the Police Department, organised a Cyber Security Awareness Programme for district officials on February 10 to mark Safer Internet Day.

The programme was held under the theme “Smart Tech, Safe Choice: Exploring the Safe and Responsible Use of AI,” emphasising the need for prudent use of technology while ensuring digital safety.

Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, attended the programme along with Additional Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho and District Informatics Officer Iftikhar Hussain. Several district officers and officials from the Cyber Cell were also present. Sub-Inspector Lobzang Choszom and Mohd Hassan from Cyber Crime Kargil served as resource persons.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner expressed appreciation to the trainers for conducting the awareness session and shared concerns over the growing incidence of cyber fraud across the country. Referring to personal experiences from within his own family, he urged officers to remain vigilant and actively spread awareness among the public.

Citing a recent incident, he mentioned that the Oswal Group reportedly lost nearly ₹7 crore due to a “digital arrest fraud.” He cautioned participants against falling prey to suspicious calls and online offers, stating that “nothing is free in this world, and no one gives money without hard work.”

The Deputy Commissioner further advised officers to use official NIC email services for sharing important documents instead of personal email accounts. He warned that WhatsApp chats and photographs could be misused if leaked and stressed the importance of verifying information before sharing it. He also spoke on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, noting that while AI tools can enhance efficiency in official work, they must be used cautiously and only after proper verification. Concluding his address, he remarked that colleagues form a second family at the workplace and mutual support and awareness are essential.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho, while addressing the programme, highlighted that several fraud cases in Kargil have occurred due to OTP misuse. He expressed concern over excessive dependence on the internet, particularly among children, and urged parents to guide them towards healthier habits such as reading and acquiring knowledge beyond mobile phones.

He added that while technological advancements like e-office systems and digital file transfers are beneficial, responsible and cautious use of such platforms is equally important. He thanked all officers and trainers for their participation and encouraged everyone to discharge their duties with vigilance and awareness as responsible citizens.

During the technical session, trainers Mohd Hassan and Lobzang Choszom discussed various forms of cybercrime and fraudulent practices, including digital arrest scams, customs duty frauds, cyber stalking, online sextortion, OLX-related frauds, phishing through ATMs, and ATM card swapping. The session aimed to equip officers with practical knowledge to identify, prevent, and respond effectively to cyber threats.