'Bharat NCX 2023' Exercise to Strengthen India's Cybersecurity

The National Security Council secretariat (NSCS) has inaugurated the 2nd Edition of the National Cyber Security Exercise 'Bharat NCX 2023'. The exercise is aimed at enhancing India's cybersecurity capabilities and preparedness. This event was organized in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and will run from 9th October to 20 October 2023.

The inauguration ceremony of 'Bharat NCX 2023' was witnessed by Shri Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Deputy National Security Advisor Shri Rajinder Khanna, and National Cyber Security Coordinator Lt. Gen MU Nair. This event will encompass of comprehensive training program to enhance the country's resilience against contemporary cyber threats. It signifies the government's commitment to build a skilled cadre of cyber warriors to safeguard India's critical sectors.

Bharat NCX 2023 serves as a platform that unifies more than 300 participants from government agencies, public organizations, and the private sector. They share a goal to safeguard critical information infrastructure and provide training sessions, Live Fire exercises, and strategic exercises.

During the event, participants will receive specialized training in key cybersecurity areas that include Intrusion Detection Techniques, Malware Information Sharing Platform (MISP), Vulnerability handling and Penetration Testing, Network Protocols and Data Flows, and Digital Forensics, among others.

These exercises will be a great help for strategic leaders to gain a deeper understanding of cyber threats, assess their readiness, and develop the skills required for cyber management and cooperation.

Lt Gen. M U Nair, National Cyber Security Coordinator provided a strategic overview of India's cyber domain emphasizing the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the critical role of collective vigilance in safeguarding digital assets.

Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and expertise cultivation. He highlighted the importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) protection, hardware security, and Post Quantum Cryptography. Dr. Sood's speech resonated deeply, supporting attendees to become a formidable army of cyber warriors in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Moreover, Bharat NCX 2023 will host an exclusive exhibition highlighting the innovation and resilience of Indian Cyber Security startups and Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). This exhibition will underscore their important role in fortifying India's cybersecurity ecosystem through cutting-edge solutions and technologies.

The event will also feature a prestigious conclave, bringing together over 200 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from government, public organizations, and the private sector. This exclusive gathering of industry leaders will provide a unique platform for in-depth discussions and deliberations on the evolving cyber threats.