Data Security in the Digital Age: A Conversation with Bikash Chetri

In Episode 9 of The Podcast with Amit Baruah, I had the privilege of chatting with Bikash Chetri, who holds the position of Joint Secretary at Data Yug, a dynamic society focused on fostering digital literacy and combating cybercrime. The episode gave us a deeper look into Data Yug’s mission, goals, and the growing need for cyber-awareness in today’s digital age. Through our engaging conversation, I learned about Bikash’s journey, Data Yug’s significant impact, and why such initiatives are crucial in an ever-evolving digital world.

The Rise of Data Yug and Its Vision

To start, we delved into what Data Yug is all about. Founded with a vision to educate and empower people in the digital space, Data Yug is not just an organization; it is a movement aimed at making the digital world a safer and more inclusive space for everyone. The organization’s mission revolves around creating awareness about cybercrimes, providing resources on digital security, and fostering digital literacy, which is becoming more essential in today’s world.

Bikash Chetri elaborated on the core values of the society, which emphasize inclusivity, safety, and empowerment. It became evident that Data Yug is more than just about teaching people how to use technology—it's about ensuring that they can use it responsibly and securely. “In the digital age, safety and literacy are not just for the tech-savvy. It's something everyone should be aware of, regardless of their background or profession,” Bikash pointed out during the conversation. He shared that Data Yug had taken proactive steps to educate people across various demographics, from school students to professionals, about the risks and tools available for their digital safety.

The Importance of Cyber Literacy

One of the central themes of our discussion was the significance of cyber literacy. The more we spoke about it, the clearer it became that the awareness surrounding online threats needs to be much higher than it currently is. With the rise of cybercrimes and the increasing amount of personal data shared online, individuals often find themselves vulnerable to malicious attacks.

Bikash stressed that digital literacy isn’t just about understanding how to navigate the internet. It’s about recognizing the potential risks—from phishing scams to ransomware—and knowing how to protect oneself. The conversation took a turn when Bikash shared some alarming statistics about how widespread cybercrimes have become, particularly with the increased use of social media and digital platforms during the pandemic. “People need to understand the gravity of what can go wrong if they don’t take digital security seriously,” he added.

One of the things that struck me the most during our conversation was Bikash’s perspective on how society often overlooks the importance of cybersecurity education. Many people still assume that online safety is only relevant to tech professionals, but as Bikash rightly pointed out, “Everyone who uses a smartphone or the internet should know the basics of protecting themselves online.”

Data Yug’s Role in Cyber Crime Awareness

Data Yug’s impact isn’t just in promoting digital literacy. The society has also become a leader in raising awareness about cybercrime prevention. With the continuous increase in cyber threats, it’s no longer enough to simply inform people about the risks; it’s essential to provide actionable steps they can take to protect themselves.

Throughout the episode, Bikash shared several stories of Data Yug’s initiatives and projects that have directly contributed to bettering the awareness landscape in the country. From organizing workshops for young students on recognizing cyber threats to collaborating with law enforcement agencies to help prevent cybercrimes, Data Yug has proven itself to be a cornerstone in the fight against online threats.

“Cybercrimes are evolving, and so is our approach to fighting them,” Bikash said. The organization uses modern tools and techniques to ensure that people not only learn about online risks but also feel confident in taking the necessary steps to secure their personal data. This includes everything from installing antivirus software to understanding the importance of strong passwords. The proactive approach is evident in their outreach programs that educate both individuals and businesses on how to safeguard their digital footprint.

The Challenges of Promoting Digital Safety

During our discussion, Bikash didn’t shy away from discussing the challenges Data Yug faces in its mission. One of the main hurdles the society encounters is overcoming the general apathy that many people have toward digital safety. Despite the increasing number of cybercrimes, there’s still a lack of urgency when it comes to implementing protective measures.

“People think it won’t happen to them until it actually does,” Bikash shared, explaining that a significant portion of the population doesn't take the necessary precautions until they fall victim to a cybercrime. This, according to Bikash, is a fundamental issue that needs to be addressed. While Data Yug works tirelessly to raise awareness, they still face an uphill battle in convincing individuals and businesses to prioritize cybersecurity.

One particularly interesting part of our conversation revolved around the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in both cybercrime and cybersecurity. Bikash explained that while AI can help criminals carry out more sophisticated attacks, it also has the potential to enhance cybersecurity efforts. For example, AI can be used to detect unusual activity in real-time, making it a powerful tool for identifying and preventing potential security breaches. However, Bikash pointed out that AI alone wouldn’t be enough; a strong foundation of human understanding of digital risks is also necessary to combat the growing threats.

The Future of Data Yug: Expanding Outreach and Impact

Looking ahead, Data Yug has big plans for expanding its reach and increasing its impact. Bikash discussed how the organization is continuously looking for ways to evolve and adapt to the changing digital landscape. This includes the development of new educational programs and tools designed to reach a broader audience.

One of the most exciting initiatives Bikash mentioned was Data Yug’s partnership with educational institutions to integrate cybersecurity lessons into their curricula. This will ensure that students are well-equipped to handle the digital risks they may encounter in their future careers. Bikash emphasized the importance of early intervention, stating that the sooner individuals are educated about cybersecurity, the better prepared they’ll be to navigate the online world safely.

Another significant project that Data Yug is working on is building a network of cybersecurity professionals who can offer their expertise to individuals and businesses in need. This initiative aims to create a community of experts who are ready and willing to help protect people from cyber threats. It’s clear that Data Yug isn’t just looking to educate individuals; they also want to build a network of support that can help tackle the issue of cybercrime on a larger scale.

Personal Reflections

Reflecting on my conversation with Bikash, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration for the work Data Yug is doing. Their efforts to raise awareness about digital safety and promote cybersecurity are essential, especially as we continue to spend more of our lives online. The initiative’s focus on digital literacy and its mission to empower individuals to protect themselves online is a cause that deserves more attention.

As we discussed the challenges ahead, I realized that this issue is bigger than any one person or organization. It's a collective effort, and it will take a community-wide commitment to bring about meaningful change. Whether it’s through educating children about online risks or helping adults secure their personal data, everyone has a role to play in making the digital world safer.

In the end, the conversation reinforced what I’ve always believed: knowledge is power, and in the digital age, cybersecurity knowledge is more powerful than ever. With organizations like Data Yug leading the way, there’s hope for a safer and more secure digital future.

If you haven't already, be sure to check out Episode 9 of The Podcast with Amit Baruah to hear more from Bikash and learn about the incredible work Data Yug is doing. From the importance of digital literacy to the ongoing battle against cybercrime, it's a conversation you don’t want to miss!