2nd Edition of the National Cyber Security Exercise – Bharat NCX 2023

Shri Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, inaugurated the ‘Bharat NCX 2023,’ the 2nd Edition of the National Cyber Security Exercise. The exercise, conducted by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in partnership with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), aims to train senior management and technical personnel on contemporary cyber threats and incident response. The exercise, held in a hybrid format over twelve days, includes training sessions, live fire, and strategic exercises. The participants, representing various sectors, will be trained on key cybersecurity areas like intrusion detection, malware information sharing, vulnerability handling, penetration testing, network protocols, data flows, and digital forensics.

Key Points:

1. Inauguration:
   • Shri Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor, inaugurated ‘Bharat NCX 2023’ alongside Deputy National Security Advisor Shri Rajinder Khanna and National Cyber Security Coordinator Lt Gen MU Nair.
2. Objectives:
   • The exercise aims to enhance the cybersecurity skills of participants, including strategic leaders, and develop their capabilities in cyber crisis management and cooperation.
3. Training Areas:
   • Participants will receive training in various cybersecurity areas, including intrusion detection, vulnerability handling, penetration testing, digital forensics, and more.
4. Keynote Address:
   • Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of upskilling the cyber workforce, continuous learning, expertise cultivation, and the need for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) protection.
5. Strategic Overview:
   • Lt Gen. M U Nair, National Cyber Security Coordinator, provided insights into India’s cyber domain, highlighting the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the crucial role of collective vigilance.
6. CISO Conclave:
   • Bharat NCX 2023 will host a conclave with over 200 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from government, public organizations, and the private sector for in-depth discussions on the evolving cyber threat landscape.
7. Exhibition:
   • The event includes an exhibition showcasing the innovation and resilience of Indian cybersecurity startups and MSMEs, emphasizing their role in fortifying India’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

The exercise serves as a platform for collaboration among government agencies, public organizations, and the private sector to address cybersecurity challenges and build a robust cybersecurity defense.