Role of CERT-In in Cyber Defence
Dr. Bahl detailed CERT-In’s responsibilities, which include cyber incident response, crisis management, vulnerability assessment, information sharing, empanelment of cybersecurity auditors and capacity-building through specialised training programmes. He explained that CERT-In works closely with government agencies, private sector partners and global institutions to ensure a resilient and trusted cyber defence architecture aligned with the vision of Digital India.
Emphasising proactive protection, Dr. Bahl noted that CERT-In regularly issues timely alerts and customised advisories to organisations and citizens, enabling them to address emerging threats without creating unnecessary alarm.
India Emerging as a Global Cybersecurity Hub
Highlighting India’s rapid rise as a global cybersecurity hub, Dr. Bahl stated that the country is home to more than 400 cybersecurity startups and a skilled workforce exceeding 6.5 lakh professionals. Together, they power a cybersecurity industry valued at nearly USD 20 billion.
These innovators, he said, are developing cutting-edge solutions in threat detection, cyber forensics and AI-based monitoring systems, reinforcing India’s commitment to building a secure, inclusive and resilient digital ecosystem.
Artificial Intelligence: Opportunity and Challenge
Addressing the evolving threat landscape, Dr. Bahl described Artificial Intelligence as a double-edged sword that empowers both defenders and adversaries. He explained how CERT-In leverages AI-driven analytics and automation to detect and respond to cyber incidents in real time while simultaneously developing safeguards against malicious AI-enabled attacks.
Global Cooperation and Capacity Building
The visiting journalists were briefed on CERT-In’s international collaborations, including joint cyber drills and partnerships with agencies such as France’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI). These efforts recently resulted in a joint high-level risk analysis report on AI titled “Building Trust in AI Through a Cyber Risk-Based Approach.”
CERT-In’s initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity resilience in cooperative banks and protect citizens’ digital devices from malware and botnets have also received global recognition, featuring in the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025.
Cyber Threat Landscape
Dr. Bahl informed the delegation that India reported 147 ransomware incidents in 2024. He noted that CERT-In’s coordinated approach, involving real-time intelligence sharing and forensic intervention, significantly reduced the impact of these attacks and strengthened institutional preparedness.
Interactive Dialogue
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, during which journalists and officials exchanged views on cross-border cyber incident resolution, information sharing and the importance of international cooperation in tackling global cyber threats.
The interaction reaffirmed India’s commitment to transparency, collaboration and leadership in global cybersecurity governance.
