The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) continues its commitment to enhancing cyber security in India through the ‘Cyber Surakshit Bharat’ initiative. The initiative aims to raise awareness about cyber crime, enhance the capabilities of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), and equip frontline IT officials across government departments with the skills needed to combat the growing threat of cyber attacks.

Under the Capacity Building scheme of the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), the 42nd CISO Deep-Dive training program was organized from February 5-9, 2024. Participants from states including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and New Delhi attended the program held at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi.

The inaugural session saw the presence of eminent dignitaries, including Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary, MeitY, and Shri S N Tripathi, DG-IIPA, along with senior officials from MeitY, NeGD, and IIPA. Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar emphasized the crucial role of CISOs in the digital era, highlighting their responsibility in mitigating threats and incident response. He stressed the importance of adhering to CERT-In guidelines for all CISOs.

The program’s objectives include creating awareness, building capacities, and enabling government departments to establish a cyber-resilient ecosystem. The initiative seeks to educate and orient participants on cyber safety and security, aligning with the Digital India program’s goal of delivering integrated government services to citizens. The program provides comprehensive information and knowledge on cyber security, empowering government departments to maintain cyber hygiene, safety, and security.

From June 2018 to February 2024, NeGD has successfully conducted 42 batches of CISO deep-dive training programs, benefitting over 1,574 CISOs and frontline IT officials. The ongoing efforts reflect the government’s commitment to bolstering cyber security measures and ensuring a secure digital landscape for the nation.