Panjab University, Chandigarh, inaugurated the Cybersecurity Skill Lab at the Centre for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (CSDE), Panjab University. The laboratory was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Renu Vig, along with the Chief Guest, Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, Superintendent of Police, Chandigarh.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Renu Vig emphasized that building a cyber-secure society begins with awareness and education. She highlighted that digital literacy and cyber awareness are no longer optional but essential life skills in today’s technology-driven world. Prof. Vig further highlighted that the Cybersecurity Skill Lab and its facilities are open to students from across the country and are not limited to Panjab University students alone, thereby reinforcing the University’s commitment to inclusive skill development. She applauded the efforts of the CSDE team for establishing the Cybersecurity Skill Lab under the RUSA 2.0 grant of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and underscored Panjab University’s commitment to innovation, skill development, and societal outreach through such forward-looking initiatives.

The Chief Guest, Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, SP, Chandigarh, appreciated Panjab University for taking this timely step to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and skill development. She explained that cyber criminals commonly target individuals through four major methods: sending malicious APK files to gain unauthorized access to devices, circulating fraudulent investment messages promising quick monetary gains, psychologically manipulating victims, and creating fear through tactics such as fake online arrest threats. She noted that cyber frauds affect people across all sections of society, with elderly individuals being particularly vulnerable.

Emphasizing prevention through awareness, she urged citizens to immediately report cybercrime by dialing 1930 or visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in, stressing that timely reporting during the “golden hours” significantly increases the chances of financial recovery.

On the occasion, Prof. Meenakshi Goyal, Director, RDC; Prof. Y.P. Verma, Registrar; Prof. G.R. Choudhary, Coordinator, RUSA; Prof. Suveera Gill, Honorary Director, CSDE; Prof. Naveen Aggarwal, and Prof. Vishal Sharma, Coordinator, Cybersecurity Skill Lab, were also present.

It was also highlighted that Panjab University has recently been awarded the ACU Gender Grant 2025, in collaboration with the Martha Farrell Foundation, for the project titled “Harnessing Cyber Awareness for Digital Empowerment of Women.” The project investigators are Prof. Suveera Gill and Prof. Vishal Sharma. This grant is awarded under the prestigious scheme of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), whose Patron is His Majesty King Charles III, reflecting the international recognition of the initiative.

The project will be implemented under the aegis of CSDE. In this context, it was noted that Panjab University has also recently established a Cyber Wellness Clinic at CSDE in collaboration with ISAC, aimed at addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence and promoting responsible digital behaviour.