Uncategorized

A Handbook on Basics of Cyber Hygiene for Higher Education Institutions

Likhith Likhith · September 13, 2025
A teal overlay with large block text announces "A Handbook on Basics of Cyber Hygiene for Higher Education Institutions," highlighting essential digital safety practices and guidelines for universities and colleges. On the right, a futuristic image shows a silhouetted person facing a digital globe with numerous padlock icons orbiting it, symbolizing cyber security, data protection, and privacy. An open book icon reinforces the resource-centric theme. The Career Plan B logo appears at the top left, linking the image to trusted educational content.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a national campaign to promote its Handbook on “Basics of Cyber Hygiene for Higher Education Institutions.” It urges universities and colleges to conduct cyber security awareness sessions as part of Deeksharambh — the Student Induction Programme.

Handbook Overview and Purpose

The handbook offers clear, practical guidance on cyber hygiene for students, faculty, and non-teaching staff in higher education.

It explains essential topics such as:

  • Digital hygiene fundamentals

  • Cyber threat identification

  • Preventive security practices

  • Common attack vectors

  • Cybersecurity-related legal frameworks

  • Protection tools and techniques

  • Guidelines for safer online behavior

Moreover, it highlights key issues like phishing, financial fraud, social media crimes, and mobile app threats. It also includes best practices for password management, device safety, and data privacy.

UGC’s Campaign to Promote the Handbook

UGC has urged all higher education institutions to introduce the handbook during Deeksharambh and similar orientation programmes.

To support this, colleges and universities are organizing cybersecurity sessions for new students. These sessions often include expert-led seminars or workshops.

The main objective is to build awareness and encourage safer online habits across campus communities.

Cyber Hygiene in Deeksharambh 2025

Several universities have already included cybersecurity modules in their Deeksharambh 2025 schedules. These sessions focus on topics such as social engineering, safe cloud usage, and digital safety tools.

Students learn about:

  • Cyber hygiene

  • Digital identity management

  • Internet safety

  • Institutional IT policies

In addition, faculty and IT staff receive updated training on current cybersecurity standards and response procedures.

Official Guidance from UGC

UGC’s circular encourages institutions to adopt the handbook’s guidelines proactively. It also recommends integrating cybersecurity education into both induction and regular academic programs.

This initiative aims to reduce risks, promote responsible digital practices, and empower all stakeholders to protect academic data.

Access and Reference

The handbook is available for free on the UGC’s official website. All students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to review it.

Importantly, UGC plans to update the handbook regularly to address new threats and reflect evolving best practices.

By launching this initiative, UGC is helping prepare India’s higher education sector for a more secure digital future. As campuses grow more connected, strong cyber hygiene practices will become essential for safety and academic success.

Related posts