Countries across the world are witnessing a significant increase in cyber attacks on individuals, networks and organisations. Keeping the threat landscape in mind, Karnataka government has embarked upon an ambitious plan to build cyber security capacity through setting up cyber security hub clusters and spokes. ISAC has played a significant role in the efforts to build a robust cybersecurity infrastructure in the state of Karnataka. The establishment of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence focusing on the BFSI sector at Manipal Academy of Higher Education is an essential step towards creating a secure digital ecosystem that can support the growth of the state’s digital economy.
Cybersecurity has become one of the most critical issues of our time. The increasing reliance on digital technologies has made us more vulnerable to cyber-attacks, which can cause significant damage to governments, businesses, and individuals alike. Recent high-profile cyber-attacks, have highlighted the urgent need for robust cybersecurity infrastructure to protect our digital assets.
The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) was launched by the Government of Karnataka with the aim of accelerating the growth of the digital economy in the state. The mission focuses on creating an ecosystem for startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive and develop, as well as fostering innovation and research in the digital sector. The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission has been at the forefront of driving digital transformation across the state. It has recognised that cybersecurity is a critical aspect of digital transformation and has made significant efforts to build cybersecurity capacity across the state. The mission has been working closely with government agencies, academic institutions, and businesses to develop a conducive ecosystem for cybersecurity in Karnataka.
Information sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC) has played a pivotal role in building cybersecurity capacity in Karnataka. It has been working closely with government agencies, businesses, and academic institutions to create awareness of the importance of cybersecurity and develop cybersecurity talent. ISAC is providing a range of products and services that help organisations to enhance their cybersecurity posture, respond to cyber incidents, and promote best practices and standards across the industry. By working together and leveraging the services provided by ISAC, the state of Karnataka can build capacity to protect against cyber threats and ensure a secure and resilient digital future. ISAC has been a valuable partner in the establishment of this center. Establishing a CopConnect Cafe to help the cyber crime victims is of particular interest to vast student population.
The BFSI sector is one of the most critical sectors of the economy. It is a sector that is heavily reliant on digital technology, making it particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector is also one of the most targeted sectors by cybercriminals. The reason for this is simple: banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies handle large amounts of sensitive data and money. Cyber-attacks on the BFSI sector can have devastating consequences, including financial losses and damage to the reputation of institutions. It is crucial for the BFSI sector to prioritise cybersecurity to ensure that they can continue to provide reliable services to their customers while protecting their sensitive data. Therefore, it is essential that the sector takes a proactive approach to cybersecurity and invests in developing a robust cybersecurity infrastructure.
ISAC has built many cybersecurity Centers of Excellence so far under an MOU mandate from tge AICTE. This is the second COE in the state of Karnataka alone this year. It’s worth noting that a full fledged Cyberange Cybersecurity COE is established by ISAC for the National Crypto and Cyber Agency, BSSN, of Indonesia in Djakarta earlier.
The establishment of this center at MAHE, Manipal is a significant step towards building a talent pool that can meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals in the BFSI sector. The center will provide training, certification, and other capacity building programs that will enable professionals to develop the necessary skills to protect the sector from cyber-attacks.
Furthermore, the establishment of this center is an important development towards creating a conducive ecosystem for cybersecurity in Karnataka. It will create opportunities for collaboration between government agencies, businesses, and academic institutions, which will help foster innovation and accelerate the development of new cybersecurity solutions. It will also help promote research and development in cybersecurity and encourage the growth of startups and other ventures in the field.
The center’s establishment is a testament to our commitment to building a secure digital ecosystem that can support the growth of the state’s digital economy. We believe that the center will play a significant role in driving the development of the cybersecurity industry in Karnataka and contributing to the state’s overall economic growth.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence focusing on the BFSI sector at Manipal Academy of Higher Education is a critical milestone in our efforts to build a robust cybersecurity infrastructure in Karnataka. It is a testament to the commitment of ISAC to strengthening the digital economy and ensuring that we are prepared for the challenges of the digital age.
This COE enables conduct various joint certification certification programs by MAHE and ISAC, empaneled on National Security Database, NEAT 2.0 of Min of Edn, NASSCOM FSP etc.
– Gp Capt Aanand Naidu (Retd)