National Cybersecurity Conference underway in Kohima | A call for unified efforts to combat digital threats

The two-day National Conference on Cybercrime, Digital Forensics & Intelligence opened with a brief inaugural program at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, on July 25, 2024. The conference, themed “Cyber Secure Bharat: Fortifying India’s Digital Future,” featured Advisor for IT&C, Economics Statistics & Evaluation, Sethrongkyu Sangtam, as the Special Guest and Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, S. Krishnan, IAS, as the Guest of Honour.

Sethrongkyu Sangtam emphasized the critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age. He highlighted ongoing threats to digital security that impact national security, the economy, and public safety. Sangtam stressed the necessity for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions to build a robust defense against cyber threats. He urged that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility, requiring teamwork from all sectors, including public-private partnerships to enhance cyber defense capabilities. He expressed hope that the conference would offer valuable insights and foster meaningful collaborations to strengthen cybersecurity measures and build a safer digital future for India.

S. Krishnan, IAS, acknowledged the various projects undertaken by the Ministry, particularly those by the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) in the North Eastern Region. He highlighted efforts to bridge the digital divide and improve digital services in the region. Krishnan underscored the growing risk of cyber threats, especially with the increasing use of IT in governance, and stressed the need for continuous updates and adaptations to keep pace with evolving digital developments.

Mandar Kulkarni, National Security Officer for India & South Asia at Microsoft, outlined the significant challenges faced by cybersecurity experts today. Kulkarni attributed these difficulties to two decades of rapid digitalization, the proliferation of the internet, and increased technology access for both users and threat actors. He emphasized that these factors have complicated the task of cyber defense professionals
Kulkarni also stressed the importance of investing in workforce training, raising awareness about cyber threats, and adopting new technologies to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. His remarks underscored the pressing need for continuous advancements in cybersecurity measures to protect users and secure digital infrastructures effectively.

Additional remarks were delivered by DGP Nagaland Rupin Sharma IPS, Sr. Director & CG HRD, MeitY, GOI A K Pipal, Commissioner & Secretary of IT&C, Muhammed Ali Shihab, IAS, and DG, NIELIT- MeitY, GOI Dr. Madan Mohan Tripathi.

During the inaugural program, Secretary S Krishnan launched the project “Empowering Police Personnel and Government Officials of NE States through IT and Cyber Security Training.

The conference is organized by the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology, Kohima, in association with Nagaland Police, the Government of Nagaland’s Department of Information Technology & Communication, and supported by the United Service Institution of India. The welcome address was delivered by the Director of NIELIT, Kohima, L Lanuwabang, and the vote of thanks was given by Daniel Meren, Additional Director of NIELIT.

MT