In a recent turn of events, the Computer Emergency Response Team – India (CERT-In) has successfully designed and executed an international cyber security exercise called “Synergy”. This move was part of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative and involved 13 countries in total. The leading force behind this initiative is India’s National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).
Understanding CERT-IN
The Computer Emergency Response Team – India (CERT-In) is a branch of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The primary objective of this organization is to secure Indian cyberspace from threats. It is the central agency responsible for dealing with numerous cyber security threats such as hacking and phishing.
CERT-In collects, analyses, and disseminates information related to cyber incidents. It also promptly alerts on cybersecurity incidents. This agency aims to offer Incident Prevention and Response Services along with Security Quality Management Services to ensure the best possible solutions for cybersecurity issues.
Defining Synergy
“Synergy” is a cybersecurity exercise conceived and run by CERT-In, in collaboration with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). The design of this exercise is derived from real-life cyber incidents, focusing on how a domestic level ransomware incident can escalate into a global cybersecurity crisis.
Each state participated as a National Crisis Management Team which comprises members from different government agencies including National CERTs/CSIRTs, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA), Communication & IT/ICT Ministry, and Security agencies.
The main objectives of Synergy are to assess, share and improve strategies among member states. This approach will bolster network resiliency against threats such as ransomware and cyber extortion attacks. The theme for Synergy is Building Network Resiliency to Counter Ransomware Attacks.
Exploring the Concept of Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that denies user or organization access to files on their computer systems. This malware encrypts these files and demands a ransom for the decryption key, forcing organizations into a situation where paying the ransom seems like the easiest solution to regain access to their files. Some advanced ransomware variants even include data theft functionality to further incentivize victims to pay the demanded ransom.
Government Initiatives for Cyber Security
In its stride towards fortifying national cybersecurity, the Indian Government has initiated several programs including Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative, Cyber Swachhta Kendra, Online cybercrime reporting portal, Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), and legislation such as Information Technology Act, 2000 and National Cyber Security Strategy 2020.
The Synergy exercise and these initiatives signify India’s commitment to bolstering network resiliency against cyber threats. With the growing prevalence of cyber crimes, these measures serve as an essential line of defence in maintaining the security and integrity of the nation’s digital landscape.
