Highlights of Karnataka’s New Cyber Security Policy

Bengaluru:

The Karnataka administration currently introduced a comprehensive cyber security strategy 2024 to combat increasing levels of cyber-crimes and encourage awareness, knowledge development, public-private partnerships, and technology integration to safeguard the state’s digital infrastructure.

The strategy emphasizes various key areas such as awareness and education, knowledge development, support of industry and startups, partnerships, and collaborations for capacity development, officials stated.

“The Government of Karnataka, acknowledging the growing significance of cyber security, has meticulously created this strategy to establish a resilient and secure cyberspace for our citizens and enterprises,” Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and Information Technology and Biotechnology, Priyank Kharge, expressed at the launch event.

He underscored that the strategy, aligned with national and international efforts, showcases Karnataka’s proactive stance in addressing cyber threats.

As per him, the strategy comprises two sections. The initial section concentrates on constructing a robust cyber security ecosystem across all sectors of society, including the public, academia, industry, start-ups, and the government. The second part of the strategy focuses on reinforcing the cyber security posture of the State’s IT assets.

While the first section will be in the public domain, the second will be internal to the state’s IT teams and departments for their IT implementations.

This strategy has been cooperatively drafted by the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, the department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (e-Governance), and the Home Department, in consultation with relevant stakeholders from both the government and private sectors.

The strategy was also assessed by the Indian Institute of Science, which is the anchor institute for the state’s K-tech Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security (CySecK).

He also initiated a skilling program by network giant CISCO.

“This partnership with CISCO is proof of our dedication to promoting a secure digital environment. By training 40,000 individuals, with a particular focus on empowering women, we are not only addressing the skills gap but also promoting inclusivity in the tech sector,” Mr Kharge stated.