The SCOPE Convention Centre in New Delhi hosted the Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (NCX) 2023 from October 9th to 20th, 2023. This event marked a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of cybersecurity excellence, bringing together over 300 participants from government agencies, public organizations, and the private sector, all dedicated to securing critical information infrastructure.
Organized by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), Government of India, in strategic partnership with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Bharat NCX 2023 featured Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, delivering a motivational address. He emphasized the crucial role of cyber security in today’s world and highlighted that future battles will predominantly be fought in the cyber domain. He also stressed the importance of operational technology in the realm of cyberspace.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, spoke at the closing session, noting the value of events like this in enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity posture.
Lt Gen M U Nair, National Cyber Security Coordinator, provided a strategic overview of India’s cyber domain, shedding light on the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the essential role of collective vigilance in protecting the nation’s digital assets.
Colonel Nidhish Bhatnagar, the Director of RRU, expressed admiration for the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to cybersecurity. He emphasized the importance of these efforts in safeguarding India’s digital security, particularly in an era marked by extensive digitization and increased exposure to threats.
Bharat NCX 2023 showcased India’s dedication to cybersecurity excellence, highlighting the crucial role of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders from the government, public, and private sectors.
The event organized intense training over six days, including a red-on-blue Live Fire cyber exercise over five days, where participants tested their cyber skills against a determined adversary. It also included a Strategic Track for leadership-level discussions on the cyber threat landscape, incident response, and crisis management to handle real-world cyber challenges.
In addition to the core exercise, Bharat NCX 2023 hosted the prestigious Bharat NCX CISOs Conclave, bringing together over 200 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from government, public organizations, and the private sector. This exclusive gathering of industry leaders provided a unique platform for in-depth discussions and deliberations on the evolving cyber threat landscape.
The event also featured an exclusive exhibition spotlighting the innovation and resilience of Indian cybersecurity startups and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). The exhibition showcased cutting-edge solutions and technologies developed by these dynamic entities, underscoring their pivotal role in fortifying India’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
Bharat NCX 2023, while strengthening cyber defenses, emphasized the need for a National Cyber Security Strategy supported by governance structures, legal frameworks, efficient processes for threat intelligence sharing, and enhanced public-private partnerships. In an era of growing digitalization, Bharat NCX 2023 serves as a compelling reminder of the paramount importance of collective vigilance and preparedness in safeguarding India’s invaluable digital assets.
