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Future-Ready Strategies: Insights into Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity and How Businesses Can Prepare for Them

India is making advancements in digitization. This improvement is encouraging, but it also means that cybersecurity dangers are increasing proportionately. Industries like technology, healthcare, banking, and more are being impacted by the escalating cybercrime situation. Cybercrime in the tech sector jeopardizes sensitive infrastructure, vital data, and customer confidence. The finance industry is the target of financial data theft, while the healthcare sector deals with problems including patient information exposure that can result in identity theft.

Industries must invest in staff training, implement sophisticated threat detection systems, and carry out frequent security audits to safeguard critical data. We look at important developments in cybersecurity here, as well as proactive measures that companies may take to safeguard their resources and get ready for new threats.

Understanding the Present Cybersecurity Situation

The range and impact of attacks are changing in all sectors due to the sophistication of cyber threats. Names, phone numbers, Aadhaar numbers, and passport information belonging to 81.5 crore Indian individuals were recently sold on the dark web, resulting in a serious cybersecurity compromise. This disclosure underscores the need for improved protection measures across industries and shows how susceptible digital systems can be.

Additionally, India ranks 85th globally for internet access but is second in cyberattacks, according to CloudSEK, showing the urgency of adopting comprehensive cybersecurity measures. To combat these threats, organizations across industries must prioritize systems for detecting and addressing breaches, such as through regular security audits, advanced threat detection tools, and staff training.

Important Trends Affecting Cybersecurity

1. AI/ML for Threat Identification and Reaction

These days, enterprises can react to every breach attempt in real time because of the proactive threat identification provided by AI and machine learning. By identifying unusual patterns and detecting malicious software, these sophisticated technologies can stop shortcomings before they do damage.

2. “Always Verify Before Trusting” Approach

A critical shift in cybersecurity is the move towards a “zero trust” model, where every access request must be authenticated. This “verify before trusting” approach strengthens security from network infrastructure down to user authentication, helping reduce the risk of unauthorized access and breaches.

3. Cloud Data Protection

Data protection for cloud storage has become more important as cloud services have grown increasingly popular. To protect their data and cloud infrastructure, organizations need to have strong encryption mechanisms and safe access controls in place.

Getting Ready for Cyber Threats

To stay ahead of cyber threats, businesses need to prepare across several key areas:

1. Employee Awareness and Training

All staff levels need to undergo ongoing training to develop a workforce that is aware of cybersecurity issues. Organizations can lower the risk of breaches brought on by human error by training staff members to spot phishing efforts, dubious connections, and other dangers.

2. Strengthening Data Privacy

Compliance with global privacy regulations, like India’s upcoming Personal Data Protection Bill, is necessary to protect consumer privacy. Implementing strict privacy policies not only aligns with regulations but also fosters trust among clients and customers.

3. Creating a Systematic Response Plan

Organizations can respond swiftly to a security problem if they have a clear response plan. By containing a breach, minimizing financial losses, and speeding up recovery, such a plan may help ensure that corporate activities can restart with the least amount of disturbance.

Investing in Solutions That Will Last

In the future, companies must make investments in long-term cybersecurity solutions. For the company to anticipate and overcome future challenges, advanced technology and ongoing cybersecurity knowledge development are essential. Instead of being viewed as a one-time cost, cybersecurity should be viewed as a continuing investment that is updated and improved as threats change.

Cybersecurity issues are growing along with the use of digital technology. Businesses must continue to take proactive steps even while the Indian government’s initiatives, such as the Personal Data Protection Bill and the National Cyber Security Policy, offer a legal foundation. Organizations can contribute to the creation of a safer digital future by emphasizing secure practices, digital literacy, and robust security frameworks.

Although cybersecurity is an ongoing process, with the correct tools and tactics, companies may strengthen their defenses and help create a safe, resilient digital environment. Together, we can ensure that digitization drives growth and security for all.

Author: Yuvraj Bhardwaj, co-founder of Petonic Infotech and Plannex Recycle

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of ObserveNow Media. The author is solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and validity of the information presented, encouraging readers to independently verify and seek professional advice if needed.

Uber Introduces New Safety Features for Female Drivers, Boosts Support with Incentives and Enhanced Tools in India

Uber has rolled out a new safety measure allowing female drivers to accept trip requests exclusively from female riders, a feature developed in response to driver feedback. Since its introduction, the option has facilitated over 21,000 trips.

Part of a broader initiative to enhance driver safety, this feature provides female drivers with greater control over their work environment and supports extended working hours.

Uber is also incentivizing drivers to register on the e-Shram portal, in alignment with India’s Code on Social Security for gig workers. Additional features, such as “helmet selfies” and mentorship programs for new drivers, have been introduced to further support the driver community.

These updates aim to improve safety, transparency, and earning potential for Uber drivers in India, with new tools like the Deactivation Review Centre and an enhanced Earnings Hub to offer better financial visibility.

Tags: Uber

Google Launches Highly Anticipated Gemini AI App for iPhone Users

In a major move to expand its AI presence, Google has officially launched the highly anticipated Gemini app for iPhone users. The new app, developed by Google’s DeepMind, brings advanced AI-powered tools to the iOS ecosystem, offering a wide range of capabilities designed to boost productivity and foster creativity. This launch positions Google to compete alongside established AI assistants like Siri and ChatGPT, with iPhone users now gaining access to cutting-edge AI technology.

Available for free on the Apple App Store, the Gemini app leverages advanced language models, machine learning, and natural language processing to assist users in tasks such as writing, summarizing, translating, and generating creative content. The app’s intuitive interface and mobile-optimized design ensure a smooth experience, allowing users to interact with the AI using plain language for accurate and contextually aware responses.

One of the standout features of Gemini is Gemini Live, a real-time AI assistant that offers dynamic, back-and-forth conversations with users. This feature allows for more natural interactions, with instant responses to queries, idea brainstorming, and problem-solving without the need for specific prompts or restarts.

Privacy and security are central to the app’s design, with Google adhering to its strict privacy guidelines and offering transparent data management options. While the app cannot control iPhone settings, it seamlessly integrates with Google’s suite of services like Maps, Gmail, Drive, and YouTube, ensuring a streamlined user experience.

Currently available exclusively on iOS, the Gemini app is expected to expand to other platforms in the future, including Android and potentially desktop versions. With this launch, Google aims to revolutionize the AI-driven app market, providing an indispensable tool for iPhone users across personal and professional tasks.

RBI Sets New Rules for Converting Excess FPI Investments to FDI

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a new set of rules to handle cases where foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) exceed the 10% ownership limit in Indian companies. The changes aim to simplify the process of converting excess FPI holdings into foreign direct investment (FDI).

Under the current rules, FPIs can hold up to 10% of a company’s total equity. If an investor crosses this limit, they have two choices: sell off the extra shares or reclassify the entire holding as FDI within five trading days.

The RBI’s new framework requires investors to get approval from the government and the Indian company involved before making this switch.

However, this option is not available for sectors where FDI is banned. Once the necessary approvals are obtained, the FPI must report the reclassification and move its shares from an FPI demat account to an FDI demat account. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has also issued guidelines to ensure a smooth process. The new rules take effect immediately, providing a clear path for handling investment breaches.

Karnataka to Establish India’s First Cybersecurity-Focused DGP Position

Karnataka is set to become the first state in India to establish a dedicated Director General of Police (DGP) position exclusively for cybersecurity. This newly created role will operate within a specialized vertical of the police department, aimed at enhancing investigations into cyber, economic, and narcotics crimes.

Building on its legacy as a frontrunner in tackling cybercrime—Karnataka was home to India’s first cybercrime police station in the early 2000s—the state seeks to streamline efforts through a centralized approach. Currently, each district in Karnataka has its own cybercrime cells and stations. The new vertical will unify these under a single leadership to bolster coordination and efficiency.

The Karnataka Home Department plans to submit a proposal for the position to the Finance Department for approval. If greenlit, the DGP for Cyber, Economics, and Narcotics (CEN) crimes will join the state’s four existing DGP-ranked positions, which oversee the CID, Fire and Emergency Services, Prisons and Correctional Services, and overall police operations led by the DG&IGP.

The move aligns with Karnataka’s proactive measures to address the rise in cyber-related threats and economic crimes. Earlier this year, the state launched the CEN wing within the CID, with ADGP Pronab Mohanty at the helm, reflecting the government’s focus on combating cybercrime.

Bengaluru, the state capital, has seen a sharp increase in cybercrime incidents, with losses amounting to ₹1,242.7 crore in the first eight months of 2024, surpassing last year’s figures. The city recorded 12,356 cybercrime cases by August 31, following a total of 17,633 cases in 2023.

Karnataka’s initiative underscores its commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the state’s rapidly expanding technology sector, ensuring a secure environment for residents and businesses alike.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurates National Workshop on Higher and Technical Education in New Delhi

Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated a two-day National Workshop on Higher and Technical Education, bringing together Secretaries of States/UTs, academicians, and education leaders to discuss transformative strategies for the sector. Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, also participated in the event.

The workshop, held in the national capital, featured prominent attendees, including Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education; Shri Sunil Kumar Barnwal, Additional Secretary; Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of UGC; and other key officials.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Pradhan emphasized the critical role of education in enhancing the ease of living, boosting per capita income, and achieving national priorities outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Highlighting the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0, he underscored the need for India to transition into a producing economy by developing globally competitive educational infrastructure.

The Minister outlined five strategic focus areas for academic leaders:

1. Strengthening public universities through innovative funding models.

2. Establishing think tanks to align curricula with industry demands and regional needs.

3. Adopting multidisciplinary research to address global challenges.

4. Promoting academic leadership development through state-central collaborations.

5. Reviving campus vibrancy through sports, arts, and cultural activities in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Shri Pradhan also stressed the importance of promoting Indian languages in education and called for collective efforts to position India as a global leader in the sector.

Dr. Sukanta Majumdar praised the NEP 2020 as a visionary roadmap to transform India into a global knowledge superpower. He urged states and UTs to fully adopt the policy, which emphasizes access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability. By implementing NEP 2020, he said, states could drive economic growth, foster innovation, and build a future-ready workforce.

Shri K. Sanjay Murthy provided insights into the 14 technical sessions planned for the workshop, addressing themes such as NEP 2020 implementation challenges, technology in education, digital governance, and financing higher education. He highlighted 20 new guidelines developed to guide universities in adopting NEP 2020.

The workshop aims to provide a collaborative platform to share strategies for implementing NEP 2020, fostering innovation, and ensuring inclusivity in higher education. The policy’s implementation is expected to drive economic growth, enhance global competitiveness, and create skilled workforces aligned with 21st-century challenges.

During the workshop, eminent panellists will delve into critical topics, including challenges in NEP 2020 implementation, leveraging technology, capacity building, and innovative financing models for higher education.

Indian Railways Accelerates Kavach Safety System Rollout, Targets 90% Network Coverage by 2028

Indian Railways is ramping up the implementation of its indigenously developed Kavach automatic train protection system, aiming to outfit 10,000 locomotives and over 1,100 kilometers of tracks. Contracts for these installations are expected to be finalized within this month, according to officials.

Currently, Kavach is operational on approximately 1,500 kilometers of tracks, with ongoing work extending to an additional 3,000 kilometers. The upcoming bids will focus on critical routes, including segments of the Delhi-Chennai and Mumbai-Chennai corridors. By 2025-26, the Railways plans to extend Kavach to another 17,000 kilometers and achieve 30,000 kilometers of coverage by 2027-28, encompassing nearly 90% of the network.

Designed to prevent accidents caused by human error or equipment failures, Kavach provides real-time information to train operators, ensuring safer operations at higher speeds. The system’s latest iteration, **Kavach 4.0**, was recently installed on the Kota-Sawai Madhopur route, with further trials underway on additional tracks.

The Railway Ministry is prioritizing the rapid rollout of Kavach as part of its comprehensive safety strategy to enhance train operations and cover most of the network by 2030. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and safety of India’s vast railway system.

Arvindar Singh Sahney Appointed Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation

Arvindar Singh Sahney, a veteran with nearly three decades of experience in the oil and gas sector, has been named the Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country’s largest fuel retailer. His appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), is for a term of five years, or until superannuation or further orders, whichever is earlier.

Sahney, who currently serves as Executive Director (Business Development – Petrochemicals), will succeed V Satish Kumar, Director (Marketing), who has held the additional charge of Chairman since September 2024. Kumar stepped in following the retirement of S M Vaidya, who served as Chairman from July 2020 to August 2023, with a one-year extension.

A Chemical Engineer from HBTI, Kanpur, Sahney joined IndianOil in 1993 and has held prominent roles in refinery operations, technical services, health, safety, and environment (HSE), and petrochemicals. He played a pivotal role in the commissioning of the 15 million tonnes per annum Paradip Refinery, a key project enhancing India’s refining capacity and energy security.

Sahney’s leadership arrives as IndianOil advances its green energy transition, focusing on renewables, biofuels, and public EV charging stations. Known for his expertise in energy transition, decarbonization, green hydrogen, and carbon capture, he has been instrumental in driving several key petrochemical initiatives, including the upcoming mega Petrochemical Complex at Paradip.

Sahney also chairs Terra Clean, an Indian Oil subsidiary dedicated to sustainable solutions, and serves as a Director at IndOil Montney Canada. Advocating a people-centric culture, Sahney aims to fortify IndianOil’s core business while steering it towards sustainable energy solutions, aligning with global trends in sustainability.

Government Approves First All-Women Battalion in CISF, Says Amit Shah

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, announced the government’s approval for the establishment of the first all-women battalion of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Sharing the development on X, Shri Amit Shah highlighted that the move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to enhance women’s participation in nation-building.

Dubbed the “Mahila Battalion,” the unit will serve as an elite force responsible for safeguarding critical infrastructure such as airports and metro systems, as well as providing VIP security. Shah expressed confidence that the decision would inspire more women to join CISF and take on the critical task of protecting the nation.

Currently, women constitute over 7% of CISF personnel. The creation of the all-women battalion aims to further increase this representation, giving women a distinct identity within the force.

Preparations are already underway at CISF headquarters to recruit, train, and finalize the battalion’s location. The training program is being specifically tailored to equip the new battalion for multifaceted roles, including VIP security and critical infrastructure protection.
The initiative follows a directive by the Union Home Minister during the 53rd CISF Day celebrations, underlining the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women in the Central Armed Police Forces.

MeitY and Uttar Pradesh Government Host Two-Day Cybersecurity Workshop to Strengthen Digital Defenses

The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in partnership with the Center for e-Governance, Department of IT & Electronics, Uttar Pradesh, conducted a two-day Cybersecurity Workshop for State Leaders, CISOs, and Deputy CISOs of the Uttar Pradesh Government at Yojana Bhawan, Lucknow. The event saw participation from over 150 officials representing various state departments.

Manoj Kumar Singh, IAS, Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, inaugurated the workshop, emphasizing the critical role of cybersecurity in protecting digital infrastructure and ensuring the resilience of e-governance services in the state. Highlighting the need for capacity-building among government officials, Shri Singh urged departments to proactively address evolving cyber threats. Prominent attendees included Shri Anil Kumar Sagar, Principal Secretary IT&E; Shri Naveen Arora, ADG Technical Services, Home; and Ms. Neha Jain, Special Secretary IT&E and MD UPDESCO.

The workshop is part of NeGD’s State Capacity Building Scheme, a flagship initiative aimed at bolstering cybersecurity preparedness among state government officials. Designed to empower CISOs and Deputy CISOs with essential tools and knowledge, the program focuses on managing and mitigating cyber risks effectively.

The two-day event featured raising awareness about cybersecurity challenges, cyber threats, and e-governance frameworks, exploring the Cyber Resilience Ecosystem and the role of AI in cybersecurity, and training on Cyber Suraksha Kendra for securing state-level e-governance systems. In-depth sessions covered topics such as data protection (DPDP Act), application security, and endpoint security. The workshop also included developing Cyber Crisis Management Plans (CCMP) for effective incident response and addressing identity and access management issues to safeguard digital systems.

As part of its broader capacity-building efforts, NeGD has launched a series of state-level workshops across India, equipping government officials with hands-on training to combat cyber threats. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Digital India mission, aiming to create a cyber-resilient public sector while reinforcing the nation’s digital infrastructure and e-governance services. By empowering state leadership and officials with practical cybersecurity tools and strategies, NeGD and MeitY continue to advance the goal of a digitally secure India, fostering a resilient ecosystem capable of mitigating emerging threats.

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