The National Security Advisor recently inaugurated the National Cyber Security Incident Response Exercise (NCX) event. It aims to train senior management and technical personnel in government and critical sector organisations on how to handle and respond to contemporary cyber threats. NCX will run from 18-29 April, according to a press release.
The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) is conducting the event, which is supported by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and in association with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) as the knowledge partner. More than 140 officials will be trained through training sessions, live fire, and strategic exercises. The participants will be trained in various key cybersecurity areas like intrusion detection techniques, malware information-sharing platforms (MISP), vulnerability handling and penetration testing, network protocols and data flows, and digital forensics.
The programme is expected to help strategic leaders better understand cyber threats, assess readiness and develop the necessary skills for cyber crisis management and cooperation. The exercises will also help develop and test cybersecurity capabilities, teamwork, planning, communication, critical thinking, and decision-making.
Speaking at the event, an official discussed the digital revolution taking place in the country and highlighted the launch of several digital services by the government. Cybersecurity remains the foundation of any successful digital transformation. Any threats in cyberspace directly impact social, economic, and national security, he explained. The National Cyber Security Coordinator talked about the increase in ransomware and supply chain attacks in India and across the world. He said it is vital to achieving synergy among all organisations to effectively counter these attacks.
Over the past few years, the government has taken various steps to build capacities and enhance skills in cybersecurity. Last December, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) launched the India-ITU Joint Cyberdrill event that aimed at training Indian critical network infrastructure operators. Industry experts discussed cybersecurity policy initiatives in India and across the globe.
More recently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) organised a conference on cyber awareness in Pune. As OpenGov Asia reported, senior officers from government organisations, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and banks attended the conference as delegates. Participants shared their experiences with cybercrime and emphasised the need for cyber safety and security and to organise interactive cyber awareness conferences frequently.
On the occasion, CBI Pune undertook other activities to spread awareness, including displaying banners in the CBI offices and prominent public and educational places. At the event, the Head of the Branch of CBI Pune stated that cyber awareness is increasingly important in this digital era where the Internet, mobile phones, and social media platforms are becoming integral parts of daily life. He talked about the resulting incidental increase in cybercrime and about the steps taken by CBI to enhance cyber awareness among stakeholders and the general public. Participants attended lectures by government officials and industry experts on topics including the nature and challenges of cybercrime, the latest cell phone technology in crime, and cybersecurity for the common man.
