The National Security Council Secretariat has recently staged the National Cyber Security Incident Response Exercise (NCX India). Scheduled from 18th to 29th April 2022, this ten-day hybrid exercise aims to equip government organisations, critical sector agencies and senior management personnel with a better understanding of contemporary cyber threats and effective strategies for incident response.
The National Security Council: An Overview
India’s National Security Council (NSC) is a tri-tiered body, holding regulatory oversight over strategic issues in the realms of politics, economics, energy and security. Presided by the National Security Advisor (NSA), who also functions as the Prime Minister’s primary advisor, the NSC was established in 1998 to facilitate comprehensive deliberation on all matters pertaining to national security. The incumbent National Security Advisor is Ajit Doval.
Understanding NCX India
CyberExer Technologies, an Estonian cybersecurity firm recognized globally for its expertise in large-scale cyber exercises, has been entrusted with the responsibility of providing an appropriate platform for this exercise. The burgeoning digital revolution in India and the consequent rise in the number of government-launched digital services have made cybersecurity a pivotal pillar of successful digital transformation. With any cyberspace threats posing severe implications for social, national and economic security, it becomes crucial to fortify the defenses of our cyberspace.
Participants in this training exercise will acquire proficiency in key cybersecurity domains including Intrusion Detection Techniques, Malware Information Sharing Platform (MISP), Vulnerability Handling & Penetration Testing, Network Protocols & Data Flows, and Digital Forensics. The objective behind NCX India is not solely theoretical understanding — the program aims to enable participants to comprehend cyber threats more holistically, assess readiness levels, polish their skills in cyber crisis management and cooperation, and enhance their ability in areas such as cybersecurity skills, teamwork, planning, communication, critical thinking, and decision-making.
Existing Government Initiatives for Cyber Security
The government has taken several initiatives to ensure cybersecurity across the nation, including the launch of the Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative and the Cyber Swachhta Kendra. An online portal has been established for reporting cybercrime, and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has been set up. The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) safeguards the nation’s critical information infrastructure, while the Information Technology Act, 2000 provides a legal framework to address issues related to cybercrime and e-commerce. These efforts collectively aim to create a fortified digital environment in India that is resilient to external threats and vulnerabilities.