The ‘Cyber Surakshit Bharat’ initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) was conceptualised with the mission to spread awareness about cyber-crime and build capacities of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT officials, across all government departments, for ensuring adequate safety measures to combat the growing menace of cyber crime and enable organizations to defend their digital infrastructures and become future-ready in tackling cyber-attacks.

The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under its Capacity Building scheme, organised the 42^nd CISO Deep-Dive training programme from February 5-9, 2024 with participants from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and New Delhi at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi.

The inaugural session of the programme was attended by eminent dignitaries – Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary, MeitY; Shri S N Tripathi, DG-IIPA and other senior officials from MeitY, NeGD & IIPA. Stressing upon the importance of cyber security in the present scenario of growing cyber-attacks, Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar highlighted the significant role of CISOs in the digital era and laid emphasis on two steps wherein CISOs play a critical role i.e., mitigation of threats and incidental response. He also highlighted the importance of CERT-In guidelines for all CISOs.

The aim of the programme is to spread awareness, build capacities as well as enable Government departments to take steps to create a cyber resilient eco system. The endeavour of the programme is to sensitise and orient participants on cyber safety and security, thus facilitating the Digital India programme for integrated delivery of various Government services to citizens. The programme also imparts holistic information and knowledge about cyber security to enable government departments to look after their cyber hygiene, safety and security.

Since June 2018 until February 2024, NeGD has efficaciously conducted 42 batches of CISO deep-dive training programmes for over 1,574 CISOs and frontline IT officials.

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DK/DK/SMP