Cyber Safety: Quick Heal Foundation honours Cyber Safety Advocates

Pune, February 12, 2024: Quick Heal Foundation, the CSR arm of Quick Heal Technologies Limited, recently held its "Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha Awards" to honor volunteers and institutions for their efforts in promoting cyber safety awareness.

Over 50 lakh individuals, including students, teachers, and the public, have benefited from the Foundation's educational programs. The "Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha" initiative aims to educate people about cyber safety and best practices. Awards were given to students, teachers, and institutions based on their impact and outreach.

On the occasion, Anupama Katkar, Chief of Operational Excellence, Quick Heal & Chairperson of Quick Heal Foundation, spoke on the program's significant impact on remote communities and its role in empowering future leaders. "I'm proud to share the profound impact of our CSR initiatives, positively influencing the lives of over 50 lakh individuals, especially those in remote corners of the country," she said.

"The 'Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha Awards' 2024 is a fitting way to celebrate this achievement. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, local state administrations, the Police, Maharashtra Cyber, and industry bodies, including Nasscom, for standing with us in our mission to establish 'cybersafety as a fundamental right for all'. Together, we aspire to ignite a movement that encourages more and more individuals to join us in creating a cyber-safe and secure India."

Mr. Sanjay Shintre, Superintendent of Police – Maharashtra Cyber, praised Quick Heal Foundation's efforts in raising awareness about cybercrimes. He congratulated the team for their dedication to creating a safer online environment.

The award ceremony was graced by Prof. V. L. Maheshwari, Vice Chancellor of Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon, Prof. (Dr) Prakash A. Mahanwar, Vice Chancellor of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University, Mr. Sanjay Shintre, Superintendent of Police –Maharashtra Cyber and the academicians from 29 participating institutions.

The ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’ initiative aims to create awareness and educate the masses, especially the marginalized sections of society, about the importance of cyber safety and the best practices to follow in the digital world. The initiative has sensitized over 47 lakh students, teachers, and the general public on various aspects of cyber security, such as identifying cyber threats, practicing cyber hygiene, prevalent cyber laws, and cyber ethics, through collaborations with local educational institutions and street plays. Under the same initiative, the Foundation has launched an ‘Earn & Learn’ program aimed to empower the youth of the country.

This program purposely engages and trains student volunteers strengthening their skill set to become future leaders of the country. These students relentlessly join the cause of spreading cyber awareness amongst communities at large in the most creative ways possible. In the past year, the initiative has touched over 8 lakh lives alone. The nominations for the awards came from 6 zones across Maharashtra and Karnataka, reflecting the widespread impact of the program. The awards were given under the categories of Cyber Suraksha Warriors (Students), Cyber Safety Champions (Teachers), and Cyber Shiksha Champion of the Year (Institutions), based on the data received from the colleges describing the action, activities, and outreach efforts.

Cyber Warriors were awarded in 3 categories - Best Process Compliance, Highest Outreach & Impact, and Outstanding Performance, while Cyber Safety Champions were awarded in 2 categories - Best Process Compliance and Extra Mile Recognition. Cyber Shiksha Champions received awards in 3 categories - Best Process Compliance, Special Appreciation for Media Outreach, and Creative Performance. With six winners each, the diverse categories highlighted exceptional contributions and achievements by all volunteers.

University Vice Chancellors also lauded the program for equipping students with valuable skills. They emphasized the importance of such initiatives in shaping the future generation.

In addition to promoting cyber security awareness, the foundation implements various social initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). These efforts focus on education, skill development, and primary healthcare, with a particular emphasis on reaching marginalised communities and remote areas.