Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Enhances Cybersecurity Capabilities with ‘Cyber Surakshit Bharat’ Initiative

New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) continues to fortify the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure with the ‘Cyber Surakshit Bharat’ initiative. This visionary program, aimed at raising awareness about cybercrime and enhancing the capacities of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT officials across government departments, strives to bolster the country’s defense against the escalating threat of cyber attacks.

Under the aegis of the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), the 42nd CISO Deep-Dive training program unfolded from February 5-9, 2024, at the Indian Institute of Public Administration in New Delhi. The participants, representing states including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and New Delhi, engaged in an intensive training regimen.

The inaugural session witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary, MeitY, and Shri S N Tripathi, DG-IIPA, along with senior officials from MeitY, NeGD, and IIPA. Emphasizing the pivotal role of CISOs in the digital era, Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar underscored their responsibility in threat mitigation and incident response. He also stressed the importance of adhering to CERT-In guidelines for all CISOs.

The primary objectives of the CISO Deep-Dive training program include raising awareness, enhancing capacities, and empowering government departments to establish a cyber-resilient ecosystem. By sensitizing participants to cyber safety and security, the initiative aligns with the broader Digital India program, aiming for the integrated delivery of government services to citizens. The program provides comprehensive information and knowledge about cybersecurity, enabling government departments to maintain robust cyber hygiene, safety, and security.

Since its inception in June 2018, the NeGD has successfully conducted 42 batches of CISO deep-dive training programs. Over 1,574 CISOs and frontline IT officials have benefited from these initiatives, contributing significantly to the nation’s cybersecurity preparedness and resilience. The ‘Cyber Surakshit Bharat’ initiative continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a secure and future-ready digital landscape for India.