As part of its educational and community responsibilities, the College of Medicine at the University of Baghdad organized a series of awareness workshops in collaboration with the Iraqi National Security Service in October 2026. The workshops aimed to promote security and digital awareness among students, familiarize them with the risks threatening individuals and society, and strengthen their ability to respond to contemporary challenges in an informed and responsible manner.
The first workshop addressed the dangers of drugs and strategies for combating them. It examined the different types of drugs, the factors contributing to substance use and addiction, and their psychological, behavioral, and social consequences. The workshop also outlined relevant provisions of Iraqi law concerning drug control, including the penalties associated with drug trafficking and promotion. Furthermore, it emphasized the importance of students’ role in raising awareness and helping to curb this phenomenon. Participants were also informed of official reporting channels, including the dedicated hotline (131) for contacting the Iraqi National Security Service.
The second workshop focused on propaganda and its influence on society. It explained the concept of a propaganda message, its main components, and the mechanisms through which such messages are formulated and directed towards target audiences. It also introduced different types of propaganda and examined the techniques used to influence public opinion and social behavior. In addition, the workshop highlighted the importance of media literacy, verifying information sources and their credibility, and distinguishing reliable content from misleading messages, particularly in light of the growing circulation of information across digital platforms.
The third workshop addressed cyber extortion and preventive measures. It explored the concept of cyber extortion, its most common forms, and the methods used to lure victims and exploit their personal data and information. The workshop also provided a range of preventive guidelines, including avoiding links from unknown sources and untrusted applications, regularly updating security software, and using the Aman platform to scan suspicious links before opening them. Other recommendations included safeguarding digital privacy, refraining from sharing sensitive information, and reporting cases of cyber extortion to the relevant authorities.
These workshops form part of the College of Medicine at the University of Baghdad’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional cooperation with the Iraqi National Security Service and expand awareness programmer targeting students. Such initiatives contribute to creating a safe university environment, fostering a culture of prevention and digital responsibility, raising awareness of security and media-related risks, and empowering students to play an active role in protecting themselves and their communities.
