Quick Heal Foundation has launched the Cyber Shikshit Gaon initiative in Arjuni village of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, to make the village India’s first cyber-safe village by helping residents protect themselves from online fraud and digital threats.
Quick Heal Foundation, the CSR arm of Quick Heal Technologies Limited, has launched the initiative under its Cyber Shiksha, Cyber Suraksha programme. The project aims to improve cybersecurity awareness and digital safety among villagers through training, household visits and practical security checks.
The initiative focuses on three key areas — Prevention, Protection and Reporting. It addresses common digital risks such as unsafe apps, excessive app permissions, unverified links, fake websites and misuse of personal information.
Anupama Katkar, Chairperson, Quick Heal Foundation and Chief of Operational Excellence, Quick Heal Technologies Limited, said, “Digital access can open doors to opportunity, but those doors can only truly empower communities when people have the knowledge and confidence to stay safe online.”
A baseline survey of 273 households and 675 mobile users in Arjuni found several gaps in digital security. The survey showed that 539 users had smartphones, while 193 households used the internet daily and 155 used UPI regularly or occasionally.
During a Mobile & Digital Security Check-up Camp, 519 mobile devices were examined across nine security parameters. The assessment found that 445 devices had five or more security gaps, while 623 harmful or suspicious apps were detected. Unnecessary app permissions were found on 327 devices, while 390 devices had two-factor authentication disabled on social-media accounts.
Members of the Cyber Warrior Club at Devchand College, Arjuni, are supporting the programme by conducting household visits and awareness sessions.
Residents are being trained on OTP, PIN and password safety, UPI and QR-code fraud, fake KYC scams, social-media security and online safety for children and senior citizens. They are also encouraged to report financial cybercrime immediately by calling 1930.
A Village Cyber Safety Committee under the Arjuni Gram Panchayat has been formed to support complaint registration and local response. A WhatsApp Cyber Safety Network, banners and wall paintings will further spread awareness across the village.
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