Strengthening Cybersecurity: Insights from the DARPG Workshop in New Delhi
On October 8, 2024, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) hosted a pivotal workshop on Cyber Security at the Civil Services Officers’ Institute (CSOI) in New Delhi. This initiative was inspired by the establishment of the Cyber Swachhta Kendra by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The workshop aimed to enhance cybersecurity awareness, promote MeitY’s initiatives, and underscore the necessity for a robust cyber infrastructure to protect public e-governance platforms.
A Gathering of Experts
The workshop attracted over 200 senior officials, including representatives from the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Nodal Officers for Public Grievances, and those involved in the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) 2023. This diverse participation highlighted the importance of collaboration among various government sectors in addressing cybersecurity challenges.
Focus Areas of the Workshop
The workshop was designed to raise awareness about the current cybersecurity landscape in India, emphasizing the critical need for cybersecurity in today’s digital environment. Participants gained insights into the measures that can be taken to mitigate cyber threats, ensuring the integrity and security of government digital platforms.
Panel Discussions: A Deep Dive into Cybersecurity
The workshop featured two key panel discussions. The first, titled "Current Cyber Security Landscape in India," was chaired by Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In. Esteemed speakers included Shri Navin Kumar Singh (DG NCIIPC), Shri Santosh Mishra (Partner at PwC), and Ms. Seema Khanna (DDG & HoG Cyber Security – NIC). This panel provided a comprehensive overview of national cyber resilience efforts, discussing the importance of protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats and the current trends driving digital transformation.
The second panel discussion focused on "Cybersecurity Considerations for e-Office, Bhavishya & CPGRAMS." Moderated by Smt. Jaya Dubey, Joint Secretary of DARPG, this session highlighted the necessity of incorporating strong cybersecurity measures into key government platforms. Experts discussed the security features of the Bhavishya Portal, emphasizing data privacy and the importance of secure service delivery to pensioners.
Keynote Addresses: Vision for a Secure Digital India
The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by Shri Puneet Yadav, Additional Secretary of DARPG. He emphasized the importance of building a robust cyber infrastructure to ensure transparency and trust in public services. Dr. Sanjay Bahl elaborated on ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing cyber resilience in India, aligning with the vision of a secure Digital India.
Shri Dhruvjyoti Sengupta, Joint Secretary of DoPPW, highlighted the cyber safety features of the Bhavishya Portal, while Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary of DARPG, stressed the critical need to safeguard e-governance platforms. He pointed out that initiatives like NeSDA incorporate Information Security and Privacy as core parameters for delivering secure public services.
Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, underscored the government’s commitment to fortifying India’s cybersecurity landscape through initiatives like the Cyber Swachhta Kendra, which plays a vital role in ensuring a secure digital future for the country.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The workshop concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Smt. Sarita Taneja, who acknowledged the leadership of Shri S. Krishnan and Shri V. Srinivas. The event underscored the critical importance of cybersecurity for secure e-governance, showcasing initiatives by MeitY and DARPG aimed at strengthening India’s digital resilience.
As India continues to embrace digital transformation, the insights gained from this workshop are invaluable. They serve as a reminder that a secure digital environment is not just a technological necessity but a fundamental requirement for fostering trust and transparency in public governance. The collaborative efforts of various government sectors, as demonstrated in this workshop, are essential in building a resilient cybersecurity framework that can withstand the evolving threats of the digital age.