Lt Gen (Dr) Pant says 8 critical sectors identified under National Cyberspace
Data Protection framework will be tabled during the Budget session in the Parliament early next year as India continues its massive digital-internet network spread nation-wide amidst increasing cyber and ransomware threats.
“Once we receive the comments (feedback from the public), then it will be tabled during the Budget session in the Parliament early next year,” Lt Gen (Dr) Rajesh Pant, National Cyber Security Coordinator and Special Secretary to the Government, told ‘CyberComm – 2022’.
“Data protection is very critical,” he underlined in his address to the event organized by FICCI, jointly with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, and I4C, Ministry of Home Affairs.
“Every sector including governance, e-commerce, business and industries constitutes National Cyberspace and with the recent launch of 5G, we already have 5 billion internet users in the world,” Lt Gen (Dr) Pant said on 18 Oct 2022.
“The moment IoT devices start connecting with 5G network, then cyberspace is going to expand exponentially and will reach 30 billion users.
“We have identified 8 critical sectors under the National Cyberspace which include defence, space, nuclear, transportation, oil & gas, financial, communications and energy.
“We can control the cyber threats through policy interventions. It is through people, processes and technology that we protect the cyberspace. We already have National Cyber Security Policy in place which has the vision to build secure and resilient cyberspace for citizens, businesses and the government,” he said.
Speaking on the Digital India program, Lt Gen (Dr) Pant stated that it has completely transformed national cyberspace.
“We have now proposed a new National Cyber Security Strategy 2022 with a vision to ensure a safe, secure, trusted, resilient and vibrant cyberspace for India’s prosperity. It rests on three pillars of secure, strengthen and synergize in the existing environment, creating an eco-system of safe cyberspace,” he emphasized.
The Home Ministry, he said, has also approved the setting-up of the National Counter Ransomware Task Force which will be launched very soon.
He also spoke on the new initiatives by the government which include regulations for Digital Lending Platforms by RBI including regulations for UPI platforms and FinTech.
“We cannot have Digital India unless there is security,” added Dr Sanjay Bahl, Director General, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), Ministry of Electronics and IT.
He elaborated, “Security is an important pillar in Digital India itself. Data is important and it is equally important who is handling the data. Trust is important for an open, safe, secure and trusted internet which will help the digital economy to reach US$1 trillion mark,” he stressed.
Dr Bahl also highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by CERT-In to create awareness about cyber security including Cyber Swachhta Kendra.
“The Kendra will assist in providing a secure cyber space by detecting Botnet infections and preventing further infections,” said Dr Bahl.
Yogesh Andlay, Founder, Nucleus Software & Polaris Financial Technology, pointed out that techniques, processes and people have to be addressed to be able to identify, detect and respond to cyber-related issues.
“Just like Digital India, we need ‘Secure India’ as a mission,” said Dr Ajay Data, Co-Chair, FICCI IT and ITeS Committee and CEO, Data Ingenious Global Limited.
“With the ever-changing cyber security landscape, a good security plan demands proactive measures, including regular technology upgrades, awareness and skilling and reskilling to all stakeholders.
“Both enterprises and government agencies need to strengthen their cybersecurity infrastructure to proactively address the possible challenges,” he emphasized.
“It is important that we look at cybersecurity becoming a part and parcel of life,” added Ashutosh Chadha, Senior Member, FICCI IT and ITeS Committee. fiinews.com
