In today’s digital age, personal data often sits in open spaces where it can be exposed to criminals. This reality was a focal point of a cybersecurity lecture delivered by Stanislav Kuznetsov, the Deputy Chairman of the Board at Sberbank, at Voronezh State University. The talk highlighted how risk management and robust cyber security practices are essential for anyone using the internet, especially in a landscape where data theft and online fraud are persistent threats.
The audience for the event stretched beyond the university’s students and faculty. It connected participants from across the region through video links, bringing together audiences from Lipetsk, Kursk, Belgorod, Oryol, and Tambov. When the numbers were tallied, the total reach of the lecture exceeded 3,500 attendees, underscoring widespread interest in practical cyber literacy.
Kuznetsov shared a striking statistic: ninety percent of people have encountered phone scams at least once. The takeaway was clear. A solid understanding of cyberspace and the methods used by modern criminals equips individuals to navigate the online world more safely and to guard against the theft of personal information.
During his remarks he described an in-house experiment conducted by the bank. On the eve of the event, 180 Voronezh State University students received phishing messages that included a promo code for a free lunch at a fast food outlet. The results were revealing. About three quarters of the participants passed verification processes, roughly one in six visited a site controlled by an attacker, and eight percent performed a potentially dangerous action. Kuznetsov pointed out that these outcomes illustrate a real need to keep pushing forward with cyber literacy and protective measures for the population, especially the youth.
The takeaway extended beyond the laboratory results. It signaled an ongoing effort to strengthen cyber readiness and resilience. The speaker emphasized that cyber threats evolve, and proactive education must evolve with them to reduce risks in everyday online activity. The emphasis was not only on recognizing phishing attempts but on building a broader culture of online vigilance and responsible digital conduct.
Voronezh State University emphasized the strategic value of partnerships with industry leaders. The university’s leadership noted that Sberbank has been a long term collaborator, contributing to the creation of an artificial intelligence laboratory on campus. This collaboration is seen as a cornerstone for advancing research and practical learning in financial technology and cybersecurity. The rector highlighted the significance of continuing joint projects that promote financial literacy and secure digital practices, underscoring the responsibility and honor of maintaining a strong alliance with a major financial institution.
From the bank’s perspective, the focus on cyber security and financial literacy remains a priority. A senior executive stressed that open dialogue and knowledge exchange are essential to connecting with students, identifying their interests, and nurturing the talents of the next generation. The goal is to empower young people to understand the digital landscape, recognize risks, and develop skills that support safe, informed participation in online life.
This collaborative effort reflects a broader trend of integrating cybersecurity education into higher education and community outreach. By combining academic study with real world banking experience, the partnership aims to raise awareness, improve protective behaviors, and equip young people with practical tools for responsible digital citizenship. The message is consistent: staying informed is the first line of defense against cyber threats, and continuous learning is the best safeguard against becoming a victim of online crime. The event demonstrated that institutions and industry leaders can work together to create a more cyber literate society, one that values privacy, security, and informed use of technology for everyday life, study, and work, as noted by multiple participants and speakers in attendance.