In a landmark event aimed at highlighting the critical issue of cybersecurity, Hyderabad witnessed the launch of The Finrun, India’s first-ever Cyber Crimes Awareness Run. Held at Gachibowli, the event included 5K and 10K runs, drawing participants from across the city and beyond. The initiative sought to bring together individuals, organizations, and policymakers to tackle the escalating threats posed by cyber crimes.
The event was graced by an illustrious lineup of dignitaries, including Sree Bala Devi, DCP – Cyber Crime, who served as the Chief Guest and officially flagged off the run. Other notable attendees included SD Joel Davis, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police; Naved Alam Khan, CEO of SCSC; Dr. Sajida Khan, a President Awardee; Anil Bollina, Director of Aquatron; Jayapavan, Managing Director of Prosperiti; and Kushalav Reddy, Senior Manager of Vasavi Group. Additionally, Shikha Goel, IPS, Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Telangana, added her voice to the event’s mission.
Uniting Communities for Cybersecurity Awareness
The Finrun, a brainchild of Mr. Ramesh Aitha, CEO of Dfairs Communications, was organized under the aegis of the India Retail Investment Expo. It aimed to educate participants on the importance of cybersecurity, emphasizing proactive measures and collective responsibility in combating cyber crimes.
Sree Bala Devi highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “There is an urgent need to address the growing threat of cyber crimes. Public awareness and individual vigilance are critical in ensuring that our digital spaces remain secure.”
Echoing her sentiment, Mr. Ramesh Aitha said, “The rise of cyber threats demands a united response. The Finrun is more than a run; it’s a movement to inspire collective action. Our goal is to build a community that is informed, empowered, and prepared to combat cyber challenges.”
A Run with a Purpose
Participants of all ages laced up their running shoes, not just for fitness but to champion a safer digital future. The run served as a platform to promote best practices in cybersecurity, such as safeguarding personal information, recognizing phishing attempts, and maintaining secure passwords.
The event’s tagline, “Run for Cybersecurity,” encapsulated its dual purpose: promoting physical health and fostering digital safety. Families, professionals, and students joined hands in this unique endeavor, symbolizing a collective commitment to tackling cyber crime.
Distinguished Speakers and Their Insights
The Finrun saw engaging speeches from esteemed guests:
SD Joel Davis, IPS emphasized the role of law enforcement in combating cyber crimes, urging citizens to report suspicious activities promptly.
Dr. Sajida Khan drew attention to the societal impact of cyber crime, especially on vulnerable groups, and lauded the organizers for their forward-thinking initiative.
Naved Alam Khan, CEO of SCSC, spoke about the importance of partnerships between private entities and public organizations in addressing cyber threats.
Shikha Goel, IPS, highlighted the role of awareness campaigns like The Finrun in empowering citizens to recognize and prevent online fraud.
A Community Effort
The success of The Finrun lay in its ability to bridge the gap between awareness and action. Corporate sponsors such as Aquatron, Prosperiti, and Vasavi Group played a pivotal role in supporting the event. Their involvement underscored the private sector’s commitment to fostering a secure digital ecosystem.
The event also included interactive kiosks and workshops where attendees could learn about the latest cyber threats and best practices for online safety. Cybersecurity experts shared insights on topics like identity theft, ransomware, and safe online banking, making the event an educational experience for all.
A Call to Action
As cyber crimes continue to evolve in sophistication, events like The Finrun play an essential role in preparing society to counteract these challenges. By uniting individuals, businesses, and government agencies, The Finrun demonstrated the power of collective action in building a resilient digital landscape.
Mr. Aitha concluded the event by emphasizing its long-term vision: “This is just the beginning. We aim to expand The Finrun to other cities, creating a nationwide movement against cyber crime. Together, we can build a future where everyone feels safe online.”
Looking Ahead
The resounding success of The Finrun underscores Hyderabad’s role as a trailblazer in addressing critical issues like cybersecurity. With its combination of community engagement, expert insights, and actionable takeaways, the event set a benchmark for similar initiatives across the country.
As the runners crossed the finish line, they did so with the shared goal of creating a safer, more secure digital world. The Finrun is not just a race; it’s a movement that promises to grow, inspiring others to take up the cause of cybersecurity.
