Cyber resilience—the ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber attacks—has become a cornerstone of both governmental and industrial strategies to safeguard national security, protect sensitive information, and ensure the continuity of essential services.
The collaborative efforts between government and industry have yielded significant advancements in strengthening cyber defences, underlining the power of partnership in combating digital adversaries.
According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime is expected to inflict damages totaling $6 trillion globally in 2021, a figure that is projected to grow by 15% per year over the next five years, reaching $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This statistic underscores the urgency and necessity of fostering robust cyber resilience strategies.
The Synergy Between Government and Industry
The collaboration between government and industry is not just beneficial but essential for enhancing cyber resilience. Government agencies bring to the table a wealth of intelligence, regulatory authority, and the ability to coordinate national and international efforts.
Conversely, the private sector contributes innovative technologies, agile processes, and a deep understanding of the commercial implications of cyber threats. Together, they form a formidable force against cyber adversaries.
One significant initiative is the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. CERT-In serves as the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents as they occur. Through its collaborations with industry leaders and academic institutions, CERT-In facilitates the sharing of critical cybersecurity information and provides timely alerts and advisories to the public and private sectors.
Moreover, the launch of the “Digital India” campaign has further underscored the need for robust cyber defence mechanisms. This campaign aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Under this initiative, the government has encouraged public-private partnerships to secure digital services and infrastructure.
For example, collaborations between government entities and technology companies are pivotal in developing secure digital payment platforms, which are crucial for the campaign’s success.
Internationally, partnerships like the European Union’s Public-Private Partnership on Cybersecurity are investing over €1.8 billion into cybersecurity research and innovation. This initiative aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the EU’s cybersecurity sector and its resilience against cyber threats.
Real-World Impact: Success Stories
A notable example of successful collaboration is the partnership between the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) and leading Indian IT and cybersecurity firms.
This partnership focuses on protecting India’s critical information infrastructure, with a significant emphasis on sectors like banking, telecom, and energy. By leveraging the expertise and resources of the private sector, NCIIPC has enhanced its capabilities in threat detection, incident response, and cybersecurity awareness among critical sectors.
Another example is the Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative, launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in collaboration with several industry partners.
This initiative aims to strengthen the cybersecurity ecosystem in India by fostering awareness and providing technical and operational guidance to government departments and their personnel. It includes training programs designed by industry experts to upskill government officials in cybersecurity practices.
Raising Awareness on Cyber Insurance and DPDP
Amid these initiatives, there’s an increasing need for governments to also focus on building awareness about Cyber Insurance and Data Protection and Privacy (DPDP) for businesses and individuals.
Cyber Insurance plays a crucial role in mitigating financial losses due to cyber attacks, offering a safety net that complements technical defences. Similarly, understanding and implementing DPDP principles is fundamental in maintaining trust and compliance in the digital age.
Integrating awareness and guidance on these aspects into governmental advisories can significantly enhance the overall cyber resilience strategy.
Strengthening Partnerships for Future Resilience
As cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and scale, the partnership between government and industry must adapt and strengthen. Key areas for future collaboration include the development of advanced predictive technologies, sharing threat intelligence in real-time, and fostering a culture of cyber resilience across all sectors.
Furthermore, initiatives aimed at closing the cybersecurity skills gap—such as the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE)—are vital. By investing in education and workforce development, these partnerships not only enhance immediate cyber defences but also ensure a sustained talent pipeline for the future.
A Unified Front Against Cyber Threats
The partnership between government and industry is pivotal in building a cyber-resilient society. By leveraging each other’s strengths, sharing critical information, and coordinating responses to threats, these alliances enhance the collective security and resilience of national infrastructures and the global digital ecosystem.
Including efforts to enhance awareness and adoption of Cyber Insurance and DPDP practices represents a critical expansion of these collaborative efforts, ensuring comprehensive protection and preparedness against cyber threats.
As we advance, harnessing these lessons and continuing to foster strong partnerships will be instrumental in navigating the cybersecurity challenges of the future, creating a safer digital world for all.
(The author is Founder of Mitigata; Views are personal)
