The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Ministry of Electronics & IT, in collaboration with the Common Services Centers (CSC) and United Service Institution (USI), organized a Cyber Security Conclave in New Delhi. The event focused on essential strategies to strengthen cyber security amidst the growing number of data breaches globally.
Inaugurating the program, Shri S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, emphasized the critical role of CSC in extending technology access and raising cyber awareness. He stated, “Security is not just about systems, but also about behavior, knowledge, and habits. 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.”
Shri Krishnan highlighted the partnership between CSC and USI as a bridge between different sectors, enhancing India’s digital landscape. He remarked, “Digitalization not only enhances productivity but also centralizes data, promoting a robust digital economy. It is crucial for everyone to be aware of cyber risks to avoid becoming victims of 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.”
Shri Sanjay Rakesh, MD and CEO of CSC SPV, welcomed the guests and stressed the importance of cyber resilience. He said, “At the CSC Cyber Security Conclave 2024, we emphasize broad categories of cybersecurity that are crucial 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. By developing a cyber think tank, we aim to foster innovative solutions and create a more user-friendly cyber system.”
The event included a panel discussion on “Emerging Cyber Threats, Trends, and Solutions,” featuring prominent speakers such as Major General (Dr) Pawan Anand (Retd), Maj Vineet Kumar (Founder, Cyber Peace Foundation), Col. Rahul Modgil (CISO, EPFO), Shri Rakesh Maheshwari (Senior Director, MeitY, Retd), Shri Hiral Sharma (Head-Solution Architect-Public Sector India and SAARC, Fortinet), and Shri Anurag Chandra (CISO, Defence & Aviation).
An MoU was signed between CSC and USI to strengthen cyber security cooperation. Other notable speakers included Inder Chaudhry (Business Head – Cyber Security, Mitkat Advisory), Ashutosh Bahuguna (Scientist ‘F’, Cert-IN), Kausik Halder (National Cyber Security Scholar, CoE, Govt. of West Bengal), Rohit Bhurani (Solution Architect, Fortinet), Vikas Awasthi (Director, Government and PSU Business, Checkpoint), and Ankit Guglani (Sr. Principal Consultant, TrendMicro).
The conclave underscored CSC’s commitment to cyber security, highlighting initiatives like the Cyber Rakshak program, which trains women in rural and remote areas in cyber security skills, positioning them as cyber security ambassadors.
Common Services Centers (CSC) are key components of the Digital India mission, providing access to digital services in rural and remote areas. They contribute to the vision of a digitally and financially inclusive society by offering e-services that enhance governance. CSCs deliver essential government and public utility services, social welfare schemes, financial services, educational and skill development courses, healthcare, agriculture services, and digital literacy initiatives.
The conclave reiterated the importance of cyber security in today’s interconnected world, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to build a resilient digital infrastructure that safeguards against evolving cyber threats.
