FICCI : Industry's Voice for Policy Change

Lt Gen Rajesh Pant (retd), National Cybersecurity Coordinator, said today that the country was capable of handling cybersecurity issues. He also exhorted corporates to improve their cyber awareness in order to avoid falling prey to malevolent hackers.

His remarks come against the backdrop of Chinese hackers attempting to debilitate India’s digital services as a spillover of the LAC tensions. Addressing a webinar on cyber crime management during Covid organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), he said, “Our systems are well in place. More importantly, people handling cybersecurity in our country have an edge over other countries.”

Defence News of India | Jul 04, 2020

Can handle hacking threats

Lt Gen Rajesh Pant (retd), National Cybersecurity Coordinator, said today that the country was capable of handling cybersecurity issues. He also exhorted corporates to improve their cyber awareness in order to avoid falling prey to malevolent hackers.

His remarks come against the backdrop of Chinese hackers attempting to debilitate India’s digital services as a spillover of the LAC tensions. Addressing a webinar on cyber crime management during Covid organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), he said, “Our systems are well in place. More importantly, people handling cybersecurity in our country have an edge over other countries.”

The Pioneer | Jul 04, 2020

NCSC urges firms to get cyber security audit done to preclude foreign apps

National Cyber Security Coordinator Lt Gen Rajesh Pant on Friday asked companies to get their cyber security audit done as the country looks to cut dependency on foreign apps and softwares.

He also said that companies during the audit should focus on their human resources as human beings are the weakest link in cyber security.”All companies are expected to have a cyber audit done. The audit is done by an empanelled auditor and we have many auditors empanelled in India as on today. A lot of companies focus on minimum auditsbut more needs to be done. I urge all enterprises to get their cyber audits done, it’s for your own good,” Pant said at a cyber security webinar organised by FICCI. He said Indian entrepreneurs should work to reduce dependency of foreign softwares. “Our focus area today is on Atmanirbhar Bharat, anything indigenous is a priority for us. We are promoting indigenisation and all those who have capabilities for substitutes should come forward,” Pant said. There have been several reports of cyber fraud and data leaks of Indian users during the lockdown.

Several cyber criminals posted fake links to dupe people who were willing to contribute to PM-Cares fund.

“The human being is the weakest link in the cyber security chain so whatever you do, human beings become very important. Training, good cyber hygiene and good social engineering practices are essential,” Pant said.

India Education Diary | Jul 03, 2020

India has cyber security handling capability, priority on promoting indigenization: National Cyber Security Coordinator, GoI

Lt Gen (Dr) Rajesh Pant, National Cyber Security Coordinator, Govt of India today reiterated that India has all the capabilities to handle cyber security issues and the workforce manning them have an edge over other countries.

Addressing ‘Cyber Crime Management During COVID-19: How to Protect Organizations & Businesses,’ webinar organised by FICCI, Lt Gen Pant said, “Our systems are well in place and more importantly, the people who are handling the cyber security in our country, have an edge along with the software which is key in this.”

Emphasizing on the need to promote Make in India, he urged entrepreneurs to come forward and develop substitutes so that dependency on other (international) software is reduced. “Our focus area today is on Atmanirbhar Bharat, anything indigenous is a priority for us. We are promoting indigenization and all those who have capabilities for substitutes should come forward,” said Lt Gen Pant.

Highlighting the urgency of cyber audits in various companies, Lt Gen Pant said that companies have to play an important role in ensuring that cyber security audits are not just mere a tick-box activity. “All companies are expected to have a cyber audit done. The audit is done by an empanelled auditor and we have many auditors empanelled in India as on today. A lot of companies focus on minimum audits but more needs to be done. I urge all enterprises to get their cyber audits done, it’s for your own good,” he added.

Lt Gen Pant further stressed upon increasing awareness regarding cyber security. “The human being is the weakest link in the cyber security chain so whatever you do, human beings become very important. Training, good cyber hygiene and good social engineering practices are essential,” he added.

Lt Gen Pant also said that ‘PPT’ (People, Policies & Procedures, and Technology) is very important and still stands valid in current times. “Only one set of standards will not make the difference. It has to be done collectively by the enterprises, human beings along with laid down policies,” he said.

Mr Rahul Chaudhry, Chairman, FICCI Homeland Security Committee said that cyber security and cyber responsibilities are ultimately a hygiene issue at the individual level. “It is an individual’s social responsibility to make himself cyber aware in this digital world. We need to educate everyone about cyber hygiene, at the school level and even at the workplace. This should become a national program, which we need to launch, and FICCI would be in touch with the government to move it forward,” he added.

Mr Vidur Gupta, Partner, EY and Mr Sanjay Kaushik, Managing Director, Netrika also shared their perspective on the cybercrime management and security.

Outlook | Jul 03, 2020

NCSC urges companies to get cyber security audit done

National Cyber Security Coordinator Lt Gen Rajesh Pant on Friday asked companies to get their cyber security audit done as the country looks to cut dependency on foreign apps and softwares.

He also said that companies during the audit should focus on their human resources as human beings are the weakest link in cyber security.

"All companies are expected to have a cyber audit done. The audit is done by an empanelled auditor and we have many auditors empanelled in India as on today. A lot of companies focus on minimum audits but more needs to be done. I urge all enterprises to get their cyber audits done, it''s for your own good," Pant said at a cyber security webinar organised by FICCI.

He said Indian entrepreneurs should work to reduce dependency of foreign softwares.

"Our focus area today is on Atmanirbhar Bharat, anything indigenous is a priority for us. We are promoting indigenisation and all those who have capabilities for substitutes should come forward," Pant said.

There have been several reports of cyber fraud and data leaks of Indian users during the lockdown.

Several cyber criminals posted fake links to dupe people who were willing to contribute to PM-Cares fund.

"The human being is the weakest link in the cyber security chain so whatever you do, human beings become very important. Training, good cyber hygiene and good social engineering practices are essential," Pant said.

Devdiscourse | Jul 03, 2020

NCSC urges companies to get cyber security audit done

National Cyber Security Coordinator Lt Gen Rajesh Pant on Friday asked companies to get their cyber security audit done as the country looks to cut dependency on foreign apps and softwares. He also said that companies during the audit should focus on their human resources as human beings are the weakest link in cyber security

"All companies are expected to have a cyber audit done. The audit is done by an empanelled auditor and we have many auditors empanelled in India as on today. A lot of companies focus on minimum audits but more needs to be done. I urge all enterprises to get their cyber audits done, it's for your own good," Pant said at a cyber security webinar organised by FICCI. He said Indian entrepreneurs should work to reduce dependency of foreign softwares. "Our focus area today is on Atmanirbhar Bharat, anything indigenous is a priority for us. We are promoting indigenisation and all those who have capabilities for substitutes should come forward," Pant said. There have been several reports of cyber fraud and data leaks of Indian users during the lockdown. Several cyber criminals posted fake links to dupe people who were willing to contribute to PM-Cares fund

"The human being is the weakest link in the cyber security chain so whatever you do, human beings become very important. Training, good cyber hygiene and good social engineering practices are essential," Pant said.

Latest LY | Jul 03, 2020

NCSC urges companies to get cyber security audit done

The Tribune | Jul 03, 2020

Cybersecurity Chief: Can handle hacking threats

Lt Gen Rajesh Pant (retd), National Cybersecurity Coordinator, said today that the country was capable of handling cybersecurity issues. He also exhorted corporates to improve their cyber awareness in order to avoid falling prey to malevolent hackers.

His remarks come against the backdrop of Chinese hackers attempting to debilitate India’s digital services as a spillover of the LAC tensions. Addressing a webinar on cyber crime management during Covid organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), he said, “Our systems are well in place. More importantly, people handling cybersecurity in our country have an edge over other countries.”

The Tribune | Jul 03, 2020

Can handle all hacking threats: Cyber security chief

India’s top cyber security official is confident about countering attempts to hack the country’s digital network. At the same time, he exhorted corporates to improve their cyber awareness in order not to be caught napping by malevolent hackers.

National Cyber Security Coordinator Rajesh Pant said on Friday that the country has all the capabilities to handle cyber security issues and the workforce manning them has an edge over other countries.

Lt. Gen (retd) Pant’s remarks come against the backdrop of Chinese hackers attempting to debilitate India’s digital services as a spillover of tensions on the border.

Addressing a webinar on ‘Cyber Crime Management during Covid’ organised by FICCI, he said, “Our systems are well in place and more importantly, the people who are handling the cyber security in our country, have an edge along with the software which is key in this.’’

Highlighting the urgency of cyber audits in various companies, Lt Gen Pant said that companies have to play an important role in ensuring that cyber security audits are not just mere a tick-box activity.

“All companies are expected to have a cyber audit done. The audit is done by an empanelled auditor and we have many auditors empanelled in India as on today. A lot of companies focus on minimum audits but more needs to be done. I urge all enterprises to get their cyber audits done, it’s for your own good,” he added.

Lt Gen Pant further stressed upon increasing awareness regarding cyber security. “The human being is the weakest link in the cyber security chain; so whatever you do, human beings become very important. Training, good cyber hygiene and good social engineering practices are essential,” he added.

Rahul Chaudhry who heads FICCI’s Homeland Security Committee described cyber security as a “hygiene issue’’ at the individual level. “It is an individual’s social responsibility to get cyber aware. We need to educate everyone about cyber hygiene, at the school level and even at the workplace,’’ he acknowledged.

Indian Defence News | Jun 11, 2020

India plans to curb weapons imports, focus on domestic manufacturing to promote 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'

Under its "Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan", the Narendra Modi government has decided to soon initiate procurement of arms and ammunition from local industries to reduce import dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

This is a post COVID-19 plan of the Central government which it would implement after it gets relief in fight against the deadly virus.

The Union Home Ministry (MHA) -- which is responsible for the country's internal security -- will soon urge private industries to come forward to meet the expectations of the government so that procurement of arms and ammunition from foreign countries could be curtailed.

It is learnt that the government is open to solve the issues of the private sector by shaping them to be price competitive and focus on quality in production so as to fulfil needs of best arms and ammunition.

The plan not only envisages catering to domestic needs, but also to export Indian products abroad. This is an attempt to achieve the vision of "Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan" as India has been for the last many years dependent on outside OEMs.

Sources said that the government started preparing a road map in this direction since it came into power, and the Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019, bringing changes to the six-decade-old Arms Act, 1959 was passed by Parliament in December last year for this purpose.

Under the amended law, licensed private industries have been allowed to manufacture and proof test small arms and ammunition including the ones being used by the military.

Addressing a FICCI webinar, Minister of State for Home G. Kishan Reddy on Wednesday also signalled the government's plan, saying they will focus on promoting domestic manufacturing of arms, ammunition and other security products under 'Make in India' to promote Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan -- a call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his May 12 address to the nation in which he talked about the pre- and post-Covid worlds. In order to fulfil the dream of making the 21st century India's century, Modi had said the way forward is through ensuring that the country becomes "self-reliant".

Noting that India was dependent on worldwide OEMs for procuring arms and ammunition for the last several years, the Minister said: "Now the government of India has decided to soon initiate procurement from local industries to reduce import dependence."

Reddy highlighted that the government is also in the process of upgrading various testing centres and labs in the country. He added that the government will also use the Government e-Marketplace portal to promote domestic products.

In this direction, India is expected to cut short the artillery list of imports this year because guns that have lately been inducted into the army such as M777 howitzers, K9 Vajra and Dhanush are being manufactured in India.

To promote indigenous defence manufacturing and reduce imports, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, last month, had announced that a list of weapons and equipment banned for import would be made in consultation with the Department of Military Affairs headed by the Chief of Defence Staff.

In a bid to boost domestic manufacturing of arms and ammunition under the government's 'Make in India' initiative, the MHA in 2017 had notified new Arms rules that allow arms manufacturing licences to be valid for the lifetime of the licensee company. Prior to this notification, such licenses had to be renewed every five years.

The liberalised rules only apply to licences granted by the MHA to small arms and ammunition companies, and those granted by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), under powers delegated it, for tanks and other armoured vehicles, spacecraft, defence aircraft, warships of all kinds, arms and ammunition and allied items of defence equipment other than small arms.

There are nearly 100 firms licensed by the MHA for the manufacture of guns (single barrel/double barrel) and around 30 firms manufacturing cartridges (blank or live cartridges or both) up to the quota permitted in their licences.

Max Aerospace, Bharat Forge, L&T and Punj Lloyd are among the Indian firms who legally manufacture arms and ammunition.

The Hitavada | Jun 11, 2020

Govt to focus on domestic production of arms, ammunition: G Kishan Reddy

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy on Wednesday said the NDA Government will focus on domestic manufacturing of arms, ammunition and other security products to promote ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’. Addressing a webinar on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat: Opportunities for Homeland Security Industry’, Reddy said ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) is not just a dream, but a well thought out roadmap for a future-ready India. “Now the Government of India has decided to soon initiate procurement from local industries to reduce import dependence,” he said.

Reddy, the Union Minister of State for Home, said for many years India was dependent on worldwide Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for procuring arms and ammunition. “We will have to strengthen our presence in making a strong public-private-partnership culture,” he said. The Minister said a meeting was held recently on facilitating procurement for arms and ammunition by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) from domestic private manufactures.

Urging the private industries to come forward, Reddy said the government was open to solve the issues of the industry. “There is a need for the private sector to be price competitive and focus on quality in production. It should not only cater to domestic needs but also be able to export products. Only then it will achieve the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’,” he said at the webinar organised by the FICCI. The Minister highlighted the Government was also in the process of upgrading various testing centres and laboratories in the country. He said the government will also use GeM (Government-e-Marketplace) portal to promote domestic products.

The Sentinel | Jun 11, 2020

India plans to curb weapons imports; focus is on domestic manufacturing

Under its "Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan", the Narendra Modi government has decided to soon initiate procurement of arms and ammunition from local industries to reduce import dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

This is a post COVID-19 plan of the Central government which it would implement after it gets relief in fight against the deadly virus.

The Union Home Ministry (MHA) - which is responsible for the country's internal security - will soon urge private industries to come forward to meet the expectations of the government so that procurement of arms and ammunition from foreign countries could be curtailed.

It is learnt that the government is open to solve the issues of the private sector by shaping them to be price competitive and focus on quality in production so as to fulfil needs of best arms and ammunition.

The plan not only envisages catering to domestic needs, but also to export Indian products abroad. This is an attempt to achieve the vision of "Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan" as India has been for the last many years dependent on outside OEMs.

Sources said that the government started preparing a road map in this direction since it came into power, and the Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019, bringing changes to the six-decade-old Arms Act, 1959 was passed by Parliament in December last year for this purpose.

Under the amended law, licensed private industries have been allowed to manufacture and proof test small arms and ammunition including the ones being used by the military.

Addressing a FICCI webinar, Minister of State for Home G. Kishan Reddy on Wednesday also signalled the government's plan, saying they will focus on promoting domestic manufacturing of arms, ammunition and other security products under 'Make in India' to promote Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan - a call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his May 12 address to the nation in which he talked about the pre- and post-Covid worlds. In order to fulfil the dream of making the 21st century India's century, Modi had said the way forward is through ensuring that the country becomes "self-reliant".