KMC to Launch Digital Literacy Programme to Curb Cyber Risks

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City is set to launch a digital literacy training programme to enable city residents to use electronic services more effectively and protect themselves from internet-related security risks.

KMC Spokesperson Nabin Manandhar said the metropolitan city decided to introduce the programme to ensure the productive use of technology and to reduce growing cyber risks arising from increased digital exposure.

“With the expanding use of technology, everyone must understand the proper use of the internet and the basics of digital security,” Manandhar said. “While technology has made life easier, careless use has equally increased risks. The training is necessary to improve access to services and protect citizens from possible digital threats.”

He added that for the effective implementation of e-governance, citizens must feel confident in using digital tools and be well-informed about cybersecurity. “To make Nepal’s governance system more transparent and move towards a digital Nepal, citizens must be digitally literate,” he said.

According to Aniruddha Nepal, chief of KMC’s Information Technology Department, the training will be launched in the first phase in wards 17, 18, 19 and 29, and will be expanded to other wards in phases. However, the KMC has not released the dates of the training yet.

The training modules will be designed at basic, intermediate and advanced levels based on participants’ knowledge of information technology. Mobile technology will be the first priority area of instruction. Officials warned that improper smartphone settings can lead to data theft, while malicious applications can steal personal and family information for criminal purposes.

Participants will also receive training on safe use of mobile data and Wi-Fi, digital financial literacy, mobile banking and digital wallets, online payments, and methods to avoid online fraud and scams.

In addition, the programme will cover strong password management, safe use of one-time passwords (OTP), protection from viruses and malware, identification of suspicious links, and measures to safeguard personal privacy and cybersecurity, KMC said. -- RSS