Data protection framework to be tabled during the Budget session in the Parliament: Lt Gen (Dr) Rajesh Pant, National Cyber Security Coordinator

Oct 18, 2022

• Proposed National Cyber Security Strategy 2022 to provide safe, secure, trusted, resilient and vibrant cyberspace for India's prosperity

NEW DELHI, 18 October 2022: Lt Gen (Dr) Rajesh Pant, National Cyber Security Coordinator and Special Secretary to the Govt of India today said that the data protection is very critical, and the Data Protection framework is now formulated, and yet to be put up for public comments. "Once we receive the comments then it will be tabled during the Budget session in the Parliament, early next year," he added.

Addressing the 'CyberComm - 2022', organized by FICCI, jointly with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, and I4C, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India,  Lt Gen (Dr) Pant said that every sector including governance, e-commerce, business and industries constitutes National Cyberspace and with the recent launch of 5G, we already have 5 billion internet users in the world. "The moment IoT devices start connecting with 5G network then cyberspace is going to expand exponentially and will reach 30 billion users," he added.

In India, he said, we have identified 8 critical sectors under the National Cyberspace which include defence, space, nuclear, transportation, oil & gas, financial, communications and energy. "We can control the cyber threats through policy interventions. It is through people, processes and technology we protect the cyberspace, and we already have National Cyber Security Policy in place which has the vision to build secure and resilient cyberspace for citizens, businesses and government," he added.

Speaking on the Digital India program, Lt Gen (Dr) Pant stated that it has completely transformed national cyberspace. "We have now proposed a new National Cyber Security Strategy 2022 with a vision to ensure a safe, secure, trusted, resilient and vibrant cyberspace for India's prosperity. It rests on three pillars of secure, strengthen and synergize in the existing environment and create an eco-system of safe cyberspace," he emphasized.

The Home Ministry, he said has also approved the setting-up of the National Counter Ransomware Task Force and it will be launched very soon. He also spoke on the new initiatives which the government is working on which include regulations for Digital Lending Platforms by RBI including regulations for UPI platforms and FinTech.

Dr Sanjay Bahl, Director General, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), Ministry of Electronics and IT, Govt of India we cannot have Digital India unless there is security. "Security is an important pillar in Digital India itself. Data is important and it is equally important who is handling the data. Trust is important to need open, safe, secure and trusted internet which will help the digital economy to reach $ 1 trillion mark," he added.

He also highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by CERT-In to create awareness about cyber security including Cyber Swachhta Kendra. "These Kendra will assist in providing a secure cyber space by detecting Botnet infections and preventing further infections," added Dr Bahl.

Mr Yogesh Andlay, Founder, Nucleus Software & Polaris Financial Technology said that techniques, processes and people have to be addressed to be able to identify, detect and respond to cyber-related issues.

Dr Ajay Data, Co-Chair, FICCI IT and ITeS Committee and CEO, Data Ingenious Global Limited, said that just like Digital India, we need 'Secure India' as a mission. With the ever-changing cyber security landscape, a good security plan demands proactive measures, including regular technology upgrades, awareness and skilling and reskilling to all stakeholders. "Both enterprises and government agencies need to strengthen their cybersecurity infrastructure to proactively address the possible challenges," he emphasized.

Mr Ashutosh Chadha, Senior Member, FICCI IT and ITeS Committee said that it is important that we look at cybersecurity becoming a part and parcel of life.