The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has unveiled the 2nd Edition of the National Cyber Security Exercise, ‘Bharat NCX 2023,’ in a concerted effort to bolster India’s cybersecurity infrastructure and readiness. The inauguration of this pivotal event, graced by esteemed dignitaries including Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Deputy National Security Advisor Rajinder Khanna, and National Cyber Security Coordinator Lt. Gen MU Nair, marks a significant step towards fortifying the nation’s digital defenses.
Running in a hybrid format from October 9 to October 20, Bharat NCX 2023 aims to provide comprehensive training to senior management and technical personnel from government, critical sector organizations, as well as public and private agencies. The primary objective is to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to address contemporary cyber threats, manage cyber incidents effectively, and formulate robust response strategies.
This initiative represents a collaborative effort with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), symbolizing a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing India’s cybersecurity landscape.
Bharat NCX 2023 serves as a unifying platform for over 300 participants, representing a diverse cross-section of government agencies, public organizations, and the private sector. The event encompasses various training sessions, live fire exercises, and strategic exercises, offering participants insights into key cybersecurity areas such as Intrusion Detection Techniques, Malware Information Sharing Platform (MISP), Vulnerability Handling and Penetration Testing, Network Protocols and Data Flows, and Digital Forensics, among others.
Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, emphasized the imperative of upskilling the cyber workforce, underlining the importance of continuous learning and expertise cultivation in strengthening India’s cybersecurity defenses.
Lt. Gen. M U Nair, National Cyber Security Coordinator, provided strategic insights into India’s evolving cyber domain, emphasizing the collective vigilance required to safeguard the nation’s digital assets.
Colonel Nidhish Bhatnagar, Director of Rashtriya Raksha University, lauded the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to cybersecurity and highlighted the pivotal role of initiatives like Bharat NCX 2023 in ensuring India’s cyber-safety.
In addition to its training and strategic components, Bharat NCX 2023 will feature an exclusive exhibition showcasing the innovation and resilience of Indian cybersecurity startups and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). This exhibition aims to underscore the critical role played by these dynamic entities in fortifying India’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
The event will also host a prestigious conclave, convening over 200 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from government agencies, public organizations, and the private sector. This gathering of industry leaders will provide a unique platform for in-depth discussions and deliberations on the evolving cyber threat landscape, fostering collaboration and innovation in the cybersecurity domain.
