India is fast emerging as a global cybersecurity powerhouse, backed by more than 400 startups and a skilled workforce of over 6.5 lakh professionals, according to Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Speaking during a familiarisation visit and interactive session for journalists from European Union (EU) countries, Dr. Bahl said India’s innovators are developing advanced solutions for threat detection, cyber forensics, and AI-based monitoring — strengthening the nation’s commitment to a secure and resilient digital ecosystem.
He described artificial intelligence (AI) as a “double-edged sword,” noting that while it enhances cyber defence capabilities, it also equips adversaries with more sophisticated tools. CERT-In, he added, uses AI-driven analytics and automation to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber incidents in real time, while simultaneously developing countermeasures against malicious AI-enabled threats.
The session provided an overview of CERT-In’s role in crisis management, vulnerability assessment, information sharing, and coordinated cyber incident response. Dr. Bahl highlighted that CERT-In regularly issues timely alerts and tailored advisories to organisations and citizens, ensuring preparedness without triggering unnecessary alarm.
According to MeitY, visiting journalists were briefed on CERT-In’s capacity-building initiatives, international partnerships — including collaboration with France’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) — and ongoing cybersecurity drills aimed at strengthening national resilience.
Dr. Bahl revealed that India recorded 147 ransomware incidents in 2024, but coordinated action by CERT-In helped mitigate their impact through real-time intelligence sharing and forensic intervention.
The interaction also covered CERT-In’s empanelment of auditors, specialised training programmes, and policy support to encourage startups working on indigenous cybersecurity solutions.
Through research collaborations, public–private partnerships, and participation in global forums, CERT-In is building a robust and trusted cyber defence ecosystem aligned with the vision of Digital India, the IT Ministry said.
-IANS