The Department of Computer Engineering at R. C. Patel Institute of Technology (RCPIT), Shirpur, organized an expert lecture on "Cyber Security and Data Protection" to enhance awareness among students and faculty about emerging cyber threats and secure digital practices.

The session was delivered by Commander Achyutan Anand, a distinguished cyber security expert and former officer of the Indian Navy, who shared his extensive knowledge and practical experience in the fields of cyber security, cryptography, and information security. During the lecture, he highlighted the increasing challenges posed by cybercrime in today's digital world and emphasized the importance of protecting personal and organizational data.

Commander Anand explained various cyber threats, including phishing, hacking, malware attacks, identity theft, and online financial fraud. He encouraged participants to adopt safe online practices such as using strong and unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, regularly updating software, avoiding suspicious links and emails, and using only trusted digital platforms for online activities. Through real-world examples and practical case studies, he demonstrated how cyber-attacks occur and the preventive measures that individuals and organizations should follow.

The interactive session witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members, who actively engaged in discussions and clarified their queries during the question-and-answer session. The lecture significantly enhanced participants' understanding of cyber security challenges and best practices for ensuring data privacy and digital safety.

The programme was conducted under the guidance of Principal Dr. J. B. Patil and Vice Principal Dr. P. J. Deore. Dr. R. B. Wagh, Head of the Department of Computer Engineering, along with Dr. U. M. Patil and Dr. D. R. Patil, coordinated the event. Heads of Departments, faculty members, and students were present for the programme.