Navigating Cyber Insecurity: Building Resilience in an Interconnected World

Cyber Security Conclave 2024, a joint initiative by the Common Service Centers (CSC) and the United Service Institution (USI), was held on May 24, 2024, in New Delhi. Experts and interested parties gathered at the event to talk about vital tactics for enhancing cyber security in the face of growing cyber threats.

Cyber security remains a paramount and delicate issue, with cyber threats evolving rapidly and the frequency of data breaches increasing annually. The surge in cyber security breaches among IT service providers underscores the necessity for companies to uphold robust cyber security frameworks to protect their customers. Any data breach can inflict significant business losses, damaging both trust and reputation. 

In his inaugural address, S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, highlighted the role of CSC in extending technology access and information dissemination to the remotest areas. "Security is not just about systems, but also about behavior, knowledge, and habits," he stated. "One of the major risks we face is the end user who may overlook the importance of cyber protection, often sharing PIN numbers and increasing vulnerabilities."

He highlighted the partnership between CSC and USI as a bridge between different worlds, enhancing India's digital landscape. "Digitalization not only boosts productivity but also centralizes data, fostering a robust digital economy. Awareness of cyber risks is essential to avoid falling prey to fraud. By addressing behavioral and attitudinal attributes, we can spread awareness effectively. Through this conference, we aim to learn new measures that MeitY can implement to strengthen our cyber protection strategies."

Sanjay Rakesh, Managing Director and CEO of CSC SPV welcomed the attendees, stressing the importance of cyber resilience and cost-effective solutions. "At the CSC Cyber Security Conclave 2024, we emphasize broad categories of cybersecurity critical for user agencies like CSC. We must strive to be more cyber-resilient and explore cost-effective alternatives. This conference provides a platform for us to discuss ways to improve cybersecurity, focusing on robust data management and strategies to prevent cyber threats and thefts."

Rakesh announced plans to develop a cyber think tank aimed at fostering innovative solutions and creating a user-friendly cyber system. "We will establish a small, dedicated group to lead our efforts towards cyber protection and work towards developing a cohesive cybersecurity system."

The conclave featured a panel discussion on "Emerging Cyber Threats, Trends, and Solutions," with key speakers including Major General (Dr.) Pawan Anand (Retd.), Maj. Vineet Kumar, Founder of Cyber Peace Foundation, Col. Rahul Modgil, CISO of EPFO, Rakesh Maheshwari, Senior Director (Retd.) at MeitY, Hiral Sharma from Fortinet, and Anurag Chandra, CISO for Defence & Aviation.

A significant highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CSC and USI to fortify cyber security measures.

The event also featured prominent speakers such as Inder Chaudhry, Business Head – Cyber Security at Mitkat Advisory, Ashutosh Bahuguna, Scientist 'F' at Cert-IN, Kausik Halder, National Cyber Security Scholar from the Government of West Bengal, Rohit Bhurani from Fortinet, Vikas Awasthi from Checkpoint, and Ankit Guglani from TrendMicro.

Cyber security has consistently been a priority for CSC, which launched the Cyber Rakshak program in rural and remote areas in collaboration with leading IT infrastructure service providers. This initiative has equipped women with new technology skills, enabling them to serve as cyber security ambassadors in their communities.

The Cyber Security Conclave 2024 underscored the critical need for enhanced cyber security measures and fostered discussions on innovative strategies to combat emerging cyber threats. By bringing together experts and stakeholders, the event aimed to pave the way for a safer digital future for India.