Bridging the Cybersecurity Gap in Nagaland's Educational Institutions

• As schools and colleges in Nagaland reopen after their winter break, the increasing use of digital platforms in education brings both opportunities and challenges. While technology enhances learning, it also exposes students and educators to cyber threats like scams, phishing, and sextortion. Addressing these risks is crucial to ensure a safe learning environment.
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• The Current Cybersecurity Situation in Nagaland’s Schools
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• Despite the growing reliance on digital tools, many of Nagaland’s educational institutions lack basic cybersecurity infrastructure. This leaves them vulnerable to various cybercrimes, particularly targeting young students who are often unaware of these dangers. Reports have shown a rise in cybercrimes like digital scams and phishing attacks, which underscores the need for improved cybersecurity measures.
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• Challenges Schools Face
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• 1. Lack of Cyber-Trained Teachers
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• There’s a severe shortage of teachers trained in cybersecurity. Without knowledgeable staff, schools struggle to implement effective safety measures. While some local institutes offer courses in cybersecurity, the number of trained professionals remains far too low to meet the demand.
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• 2. Cybersecurity Education Gaps
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• Most to no schools don’t include cybersecurity in their curriculum. As a result, students graduate without the basic skills needed to protect themselves online. Incorporating cybersecurity lessons could help students develop a better understanding of online safety.
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• 3. Limited Awareness Programmes
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• General awareness initiatives exist, but they often fail to address the specific needs of educational institutions. Schools require customized programs that focus on real-world threats students might face, such as cyberbullying and data privacy issues.