Experts Call for Stronger Defence Against Real-Time Cyberthreats
In an era where digitalization is rapidly transforming society, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. At the recent BuildSEC’25 conference held at IIT-Patna, experts and technocrats gathered to address the escalating threat of cyberfraud and the necessity for enhanced cybersecurity protocols.
Conference Highlights
The BuildSEC’25 conference, which focused on “Building a Secure and Empowered Cyberspace,” featured prominent speakers who emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit opened the conference by highlighting the increasing incidence of cyberattacks as digitalization accelerates.
Keynote Addresses
Pratyaya Amrit: A Call to Action
Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit urged technocrats to work diligently towards creating a secure digital environment. He stated, “As we are rapidly moving towards digitalisation, concerns related to cybersecurity, real-time threats, and cyberattacks have become increasingly important and crucial. Effective and meaningful steps must be initiated to check the ever-increasing incidence of cyberfraud.”
S. Krishnan: Emphasizing Research and Funding
Union IT Secretary S. Krishnan echoed Amrit’s sentiments, stressing the need for increased research and funding in cybersecurity. He pointed out that significant national events, such as the G20 summit and the Mahakumbh, require heightened protection against potential cyber threats. Krishnan praised the efforts of IIT-Patna and the Bihar government for their initiatives in addressing these pressing issues.
State Initiatives in Cybersecurity
Abhay Kumar Singh, the Secretary of the State Information and Technology Department, discussed various initiatives undertaken by the Bihar government aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and artificial intelligence capabilities. These initiatives are designed to safeguard both personal and national interests in the face of growing cyber threats.
Challenges and Concerns
During the conference, T.N. Singh, the Director of IIT-Patna, welcomed attendees and highlighted the multifaceted challenges posed by cybersecurity threats. He pointed out that these threats range from individual privacy concerns to national security risks.
Global Perspectives on Cybersecurity
International perspectives were also represented at the conference. Sanjay Jha from the University of New South Wales, Australia, spoke on the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in combating the emerging dangers of cyber fraud. His insights underscored the global nature of cybersecurity threats and the need for a united front.
Participation from Leading Institutions
The conference saw participation from various esteemed institutions, including:
- C-DAC Patna
- IIIT Hyderabad
- IISc Bengaluru
- IIT-Kharagpur
- IIT-BHU
- SETS Chennai
- Economic Offences Unit
- CERT-In
- Forensic Science Laboratory
- NIC Bihar
Industry professionals and academicians also contributed to the discussions, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
Conclusion
The BuildSEC’25 conference served as a vital platform for addressing the pressing issues of cybersecurity in today’s digital age. With experts from various fields coming together to share insights and propose solutions, the event highlighted the collective responsibility to enhance cybersecurity measures. As digital threats continue to evolve, it is imperative for technocrats, government officials, and researchers to collaborate and innovate in order to safeguard our cyberspace.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the proceedings of the BuildSEC’25 conference and reflects the views and insights shared by various speakers and participants.
