The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recently hosted a high-level “CISO Workshop on Cyber Security” as part of the Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative. The workshop, organized by MeitY’s National e-Governance Division (NeGD), aimed to bolster India’s cyber security framework and was attended by over 250 chief information officers, deputy chief information officers, IT executives, and senior government officials at the India International Centre.

The event commenced with S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, underscoring the significance of establishing dedicated information security verticals within organizations. Krishnan emphasized the importance of striking a balance between sharing threat intelligence, safeguarding confidentiality, and incorporating security measures in digital applications. He stressed the need for active intelligence sharing on cyber threats while safeguarding sensitive information.

Additionally, MeitY’s Additional Secretary, Abhishek Singh, introduced the “Cyber Swachhata” campaign, drawing parallels to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan but with a focus on eliminating malware from digital networks. Singh highlighted the importance of integrating cyber crisis management into organizational planning, akin to disaster management frameworks.

Nand Kumaram, President and CEO of NeGD, urged participants to engage with the latest advancements in cyber security, such as artificial intelligence and zero-trust architecture. He emphasized the necessity for continual adaptation in software and hardware to fortify cyber defenses effectively.

During the workshop, Savita Utreja, Group Coordinator for Cybersecurity at MeitY, provided valuable insights, stressing the need for appointing Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) across all organizations. This proactive approach aims to address threats, identify vulnerabilities, and enhance resilience within India’s digital ecosystem.

The public-private CISO training program, launched in 2018, has been a notable success, training over 1,662 individuals in 45 sessions. The program equips government and industry leaders with essential tools to safeguard India’s digital infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.

The CISO Workshop enabled senior officials to delve into emerging cyber challenges, reaffirming India’s dedication to fostering a secure and resilient digital landscape. The event highlighted the country’s commitment to staying abreast of cyber security trends and advancements.

As CIO News continues to provide insights from the technology and IT sector, it remains a trusted source for executives and professionals seeking to stay informed about industry developments. Founded in June 2020, CIO News plans to expand globally, catering to markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, USA, and the UK. As a subsidiary of Mercadeo Multiventures Pvt Ltd, CIO News remains dedicated to delivering the latest news, updates, and insights from the CIO industry.

Lidhja e burimit