At the Bharat National Cybersecurity Exercise (Bharat NCX) 2024, experts highlighted the urgent need for collaboration, training, and technological innovation to protect India's expanding digital infrastructure from rising cyber threats.
India, one of the most connected countries globally, faces increasing cybersecurity challenges as over 1.4 billion people access the internet. Colonel Nidhish Bhatnagar, Chief Mentor at the School of Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity, noted that this rapid digital growth has placed India among the top 10 cyber-resilient nations. Critical infrastructure such as power grids, healthcare, and financial networks now benefit from national-level security measures aimed at preventing large-scale disruptions.
Training and Innovation: Key to Cyber Defense
Dr. Jatin Patel, Director of Rashtriya Raksha University, emphasized the importance of simulation-based training exercises to prepare professionals in sectors like energy and healthcare for real-world cyberattacks. "Informed decision-making is crucial to safeguard India's critical infrastructure from targeted attacks," Patel explained.
Key initiatives launched at the event include:
1. National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF) – A standardized guideline for industries to adopt best practices in securing critical systems.
2. National Cyber Range 1.0 (NCR-1.0) – India’s first indigenous cyber range designed to simulate sophisticated attacks and train cybersecurity professionals.
Lt. Gen. M.U. Nair (Retd.), National Cyber Security Coordinator, stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration, while Deputy National Security Advisor T.V. Ravichandran underscored the role of emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain in building proactive cybersecurity frameworks.
“Our goal is to embed cybersecurity into every aspect of critical infrastructure,” Ravichandran said, emphasizing the importance of being proactive rather than reactive in mitigating risks.
A Vision for a Secure Digital Future
Bharat NCX 2024 showcased India's commitment to cybersecurity innovation. With initiatives like NCRF, NCR-1.0, and a thriving startup ecosystem, India is well-positioned to tackle evolving cyber challenges. By fostering continuous collaboration, training, and technological adaptation, the nation aims to lead in global cybersecurity resilience, ensuring a secure digital future for all its citizens.
