Date: 02/05/2025
Event Venue/Time: Village Manko
Organizing Unit/Agency: University Institute Engineering and Technology
Extension Activity
With the heavenly blessings of Sant Baba Dlawar Singh ji (Brahm ji), and with the benign patronage of our Honorable Chancellor, Sant Baba Manmohan Singh ji and under the spirited leadership of our dynamic Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Dharmjit Singh Parmar ji and under the able guidance and support of Registrar Prof (Dr.) Vikas and Dean Academics Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Dhir and Dean UIET Prof. (Dr.) Jagdeep Kaur, University Institute Engineering and Technology organized an extension activity in Village Manko aimed at creating awareness about cyber security, especially in the context of digital payments. With the increasing adoption of mobile banking and UPI-based transactions in rural areas, it is essential to educate the public about potential cyber threats and how to avoid them. The activity focused on informing villagers about safe digital practices and the common methods used by cybercriminals to steal personal and financial information. Three faculty members from UIET— Assistant Prof. Er. Harish Sharma, Assistant Prof. Er. Manpreet Singh and Lab Technician Mr. Gurpreet Singh led the session. They delivered interactive talks in simple language, ensuring the villagers could easily understand complex topics. The faculty members explained how hackers operate through phishing links, fake apps, OTP scams, and social engineering tactics. They also shared real-life examples to help participants relate to the dangers more effectively. The session included a brief presentation on how digital payment systems work and where the risks lie. Faculty demonstrated common fraud techniques and provided villagers with pamphlets that listed safety tips for online transactions. A Q&A session followed, during which the villagers actively participated and shared their concerns and experiences. Emphasis was placed on the dos and don’ts of using UPI apps, mobile wallets, and online banking services. The activity saw enthusiastic participation from the local community, with over 20 villagers attending the session. By the end, the participants expressed a better understanding of cyber security practices and showed increased confidence in handling digital payments safely. The event successfully achieved its goal of empowering the villagers with knowledge to protect themselves in the digital age. UIET plans to continue conducting similar outreach initiatives to promote digital literacy and security in surrounding areas.