New Delhi: Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise 2023, held from October 9th to 20th, marked a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of cybersecurity excellence. With over 300 participants from government, public organizations, and the private sector, the event, organized by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), emphasized the critical nature of safeguarding information infrastructure.
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari highlighted the importance of cybersecurity, noting that future battles will largely occur in the cyber domain, and he emphasized the role of operational technology in cyberspace. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, acknowledged the importance of such events in enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity posture.
Lt Gen M U Nair, National Cyber Security Coordinator, provided insights into the evolving cyber threat landscape, underscoring the need for collective vigilance in protecting digital assets. Colonel Nidhish Bhatnagar, the Director of RRU, praised the government’s dedication to cybersecurity and stressed the significance of these efforts in an era of increased digitization and threats.
Bharat NCX 2023 offered intense training, including a Live Fire cyber exercise, as well as leadership discussions on cyber threats and crisis management. The event also featured the Bharat NCX CISOs Conclave, bringing together over 200 Chief Information Security Officers for discussions on evolving cyber threats. An exhibition showcased Indian Cyber Security start-ups and MSMEs, highlighting their role in strengthening India’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
The event emphasized the need for a National Cyber Security Strategy, including governance structures, legal frameworks, efficient threat intel sharing processes, and Public Private Partnership. In an age of growing digitalization, Bharat NCX 2023 underscored the importance of collective vigilance and preparedness in safeguarding India’s digital assets.