PNG DICT extends cyber security awareness campaign to Port Moresby National High School

 The Papua New Guinea Department of Information and Communications Technology’s Cyber Security team recently conducted an important awareness session at Port Moresby National High School.

The Cybersecurity Awareness Month is observed in October annually, hence, DICT, in collaboration with the National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA), take lead in the awareness campaign to enhance people’s knowledge about cyber security and to stay secure online and protect themselves, as well as their devices.

Port Moresby National High School Grade 11 STEM students posing with DICT Cyber Security team during their awareness session on Friday 3 November 2023. [Photo by DICT]

The objective of the campaign was to educate students on various aspects of cyber security, including cyber-attacks, cyber-crime, scams, hacks, misinformation, and online vulnerabilities.

In a world where the internet plays a significant role in everyone’s daily lives, it is crucial for young people to be aware of the potential risks and pitfalls of the digital space.

The Cyber Security team aimed to equip the students with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the online landscape safely.

The awareness session emphasized the need for students to be cautious of what they post on social media platforms.

The team emphasized that the information shared online can have long-lasting consequences, and it’s essential to think before clicking that ‘post’ button.

One of the critical topics discussed was the importance of upgrading their systems and devices. Outdated software and hardware can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

Students were encouraged to keep their devices and software up to date to ensure their online safety.

The awareness session shed light on the significance of using secured websites. When browsing the internet, it’s essential to look for the padlock symbol in the address bar of the browser, indicating that the website is secure.

Secure websites protect your personal information and financial data from falling into the wrong hands.

Mrs. Kunsei, Senior Subject Master Technology Department, expressed her delight with the visit and stressed the significance of understanding online security.

She explained, “As young people, they always go online, and they download applications, and most of the time, they do not know what they are downloading, so it’s very important that they know the security behind going online, the sites that they can visit, and the importance of having strong passwords.”

Senior Cyber Security Analyst, Mr. Nobert Wanit was surprised by the students’ engagement, stating, “They are very interested, they ask a lot of questions.”

“What I’ve learned about these students is that they are very keen to learn new things, so that gives us very positive feedback” he added.

The Cyber Security awareness session at Port Moresby National High School has equipped students with valuable knowledge about staying safe in the digital world.

Internet continues to play a significant role in our lives, and it is essential to be informed and vigilant about online safety.

It is anticipated that with guidance provided by the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s Cyber Security team, the young students would be better prepared to make responsible and secure choices while navigating the digital landscape.

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