India is set to launch a cybersecurity agency this June in response to the significant rise in digital transactions taking place across the nation. Known as the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCCC), the security agency will join a range of other sector-specific computer emergency response teams (CERTs). The topic was covered in a speech by Ravi Shankar Prasad, union minister for Electronics and IT. The NCCC will monitor and handle cyberattacks on Indian internet space in real time, forming a key element of the country’s continuing efforts to build a strong security ecosystem for the digital age. This news should also be of interest to IT decision-makers across the globe who are keen to take advantage of India’s strong digital skills base.
Prasad said India is well on its way to becoming a $1 trillion digital economy. A strong cybersecurity foundation will help ensure this level of rapid economic growth continues.
The NCCC forms just one part of a comprehensive approach, with Prasad detailing how his ministry has already helped create a digital payments division and a financial CERT. CERTs are also being established for industries such as power and communications. Prasad added that states across India will be supported in their attempts to establish individual CERTs. Additional measures announced include 10 standardization testing and quality certification facilities, which will provide further resources in the battle against cybercrime.
