The recent collaboration between the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Center for e-Governance (CeG) of Uttar Pradesh has yielded a critical initiative – a three-day workshop targeting Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from various state departments. Held in Lucknow from February 27th to 29th, 2024, this program brings together over 51 CISOs, equipping them with the knowledge and skills essential to fortify the state’s cyber defences.
While raising awareness about cyber threats and best practices forms a crucial part of the program, it delves deeper, fostering a capacity-building approach. This translates to equipping CISOs with the technical know-how and practical skills needed to implement robust defence mechanisms. By delving into cyber hygiene, safety, and security protocols, the workshop empowers participants to safeguard state government IT infrastructure, sensitive data, and digital assets from potential breaches.
The workshop transcends the realm of individual departmental security, fostering a collaborative environment. Through knowledge sharing and strategic discussions, it lays the groundwork for the development of a holistic cyber-resilient ecosystem within the state government. This collaborative environment fosters collective understanding, enabling departments to work together and share resources, ultimately strengthening the state’s overall cybersecurity posture.
The program’s inaugural session set the tone for a knowledge-intensive experience. Prominent figures like Smt Neha Jain (Special Secretary IT & E, GoUP), Shri Deepak Goel (Sr. Director, MeitY), and Shri Raees Akhtar (SP Technical Services, Home Department) graced the event, underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing cybersecurity challenges. Furthermore, key speakers from MeitY’s statutory bodies (Cert-IN, STQC, UIDAI, NTPC) shared their specialized knowledge on critical topics like strengthening IT infrastructure, mitigating cyber threats, and implementing effective preventive measures.
The workshop acknowledges the pivotal role that CISOs play in safeguarding the digital landscape. As the vanguards of cybersecurity, they are entrusted with developing robust strategies, implementing best practices, and orchestrating response mechanisms to address vulnerabilities and ensure regulatory compliance. Their expertise forms the bedrock of secure government systems, fostering public trust in the integrity and reliability of essential citizen services.
