The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) held a pivotal workshop on Cybersecurity on October 7 at the Civil Services Officers’ Institute in New Delhi, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity awareness and reinforcing the initiatives of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This event was particularly timely, coinciding with the ongoing Special Campaign 4.0, and saw participation from over 200 senior officials from various government sectors. The workshop underscored the pressing need for a robust cybersecurity framework to protect public e-governance platforms.
The agenda included insightful discussions on the current cybersecurity landscape in India, emphasizing the essential measures required to safeguard digital infrastructure. Participants engaged in two main panel discussions, focusing on the pressing issues of cybersecurity threats and the necessary precautions for government applications. With the digital transformation accelerating in public services, the need to secure these platforms has never been more critical, as it directly impacts public trust and service delivery.
Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In, provided valuable insights on national initiatives aimed at enhancing cyber resilience. He highlighted the importance of collaboration across government departments to fortify defenses against potential cyber threats. Experts from various sectors contributed their perspectives, discussing specific challenges faced by platforms like e-Office, Bhavishya, and the Centralized Public Grievances Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). These discussions aimed to identify best practices for implementing effective cybersecurity measures in these crucial digital services.
The workshop concluded with a strong emphasis on the need for a coordinated effort in integrating robust cybersecurity protocols into public governance. The ongoing threat landscape necessitates initiatives like the Cyber Swachhta Kendra, which play a vital role in securing India’s digital future. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and preparedness, the DARPG aims to ensure that public services remain not only efficient but also secure against evolving cyber threats, thus preserving the integrity of public governance in the digital age.
