India Under Siege: 16 Lakh Cyberattacks Every Minute During G20, Reveals Amitabh Kant at Cyber Shikshit Bharat Launch | News18

The ‘Cyber Shikshit Bharat’ program launched recently aims to boost India’s cybersecurity landscape. This initiative was unveiled during an international seminar called ‘Cyber Warfare 2025: Strategies and Challenges’ organized by Lisianthus Tech, a firm specializing in cybersecurity.

During the event, Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog, pointed out how cyber attacks have surged in the banking and financial services sector. The average cost of a data breach in India now stands at nearly $2.8 million, a staggering increase that reflects a growing threat landscape. Kant emphasized the need for collaboration among defense, intelligence, and private sectors to tackle these challenges effectively.

India’s ‘Cyber Shikshit Bharat’ is inspired by the government’s broader goals, like the Viksit Bharat initiative, and aims to establish a Central Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence. The program will adopt AI-driven strategies, focus on digital risk management, and promote global policy advocacy to ensure a robust cybersecurity framework.

Jayant Sinha, the Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General of India, highlighted a concerning shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals in the country. He stressed that while big companies are stepping up their security efforts, small and medium enterprises, along with individual users, still lack awareness and implementation of necessary protective measures.

Sinha reinforced the role of the CAG in auditing cybersecurity practices to ensure compliance with national guidelines. He advocated for a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening regulations, investing in industry improvements, and leveraging new technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Vinod G. Khandare, an advisor to the Ministry of Defence, reinforced the need for a secure cyber ecosystem. He stated that without a strong cyber foundation, India cannot achieve its economic goals. As cyber threats transcend borders, it is vital for every individual using technology to prioritize their digital safety.

SK Verma, the Chairman of Lisianthus Tech, described cyber warfare as not just a technical issue but a geopolitical one. He pointed out that today’s threats come from both state-sponsored attacks and cybercriminals exploiting vulnerabilities for gain. The evolving nature of these threats necessitates a shift from reactive to proactive measures in cybersecurity.

The ‘Cyber Shikshit Bharat’ initiative represents a crucial step in fortifying India’s digital infrastructure and preparing professionals for the future challenges of cybersecurity. As the digital world continues to grow, ensuring a secure online environment has never been more critical.

In recent statistics, the shift to remote work due to the pandemic saw a 400% increase in cyberattacks worldwide, underscoring the urgency of initiatives like ‘Cyber Shikshit Bharat.’ As we move forward, embracing technology and enhancing cybersecurity knowledge will be key to navigating the modern digital landscape. For more on cybersecurity trends, you can visit Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.

Check out this related article: How the US-China Trade War Could Transform Indian Handicrafts into a Global Sensation

Source link

Cybersecurity in India, Cyber attacks, G20 Summit 2023, Cyber Shikshit Bharat, Amitabh Kant, Cybersecurity initiatives, Cybercrime in India, AI-driven security