Protecting Our Digital Frontier - National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Since 2004, every October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month - an initiative that has been ongoing for 20 years. It has evolved into a joint effort between the government and industry to increase awareness about cybersecurity, encourage the public to take measures to mitigate online risks and stimulate discussions about cyber threats on both a national and global level. To commemorate the milestone of its 20th anniversary, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has launched a new cybersecurity awareness program called ‘Secure Our World’. This program aims to promote behavioral change across the nation and is a new, lasting message that will be integrated into CISA's future awareness campaigns and programs. The program focuses on four critical actions that individuals, families, and small to medium-sized businesses can take to Secure Our World, | Enabling multi-factor authentication | Using strong passwords and a password manager | Updating software | Recognizing and reporting phishing | are the focus four key behaviors. The theme for this year's Cybersecurity Awareness Month is ‘Secure Our World’, which will continue to be the enduring theme for future awareness campaigns.

Samir Kumar Mishra, Director (Security Business), Cisco India & SAARC-

"As the digital world becomes a reality, the narrative for defenders worldwide has been rewritten. Security resilience has become paramount to navigating the interconnected world and countering the expanding threat landscape. While some progress has been made, not enough businesses are cybersecurity-ready to take on the challenges that our increasingly hybrid world has created. A Cisco study indicates that only 24% of organizations in India have the mature level of readiness needed to be resilient against today's modern cybersecurity risks. At Cisco, we strongly believe that security is a collective responsibility. By leveraging our cutting-edge technologies, industry-leading expertise, and fostering collaborative partnerships, we drive innovation and construct resilient security architectures. Additionally, we empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to safeguard themselves and their organizations from cyber risks. As we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, cybersecurity readiness and resilience must be a priority for all. To enable effective security in a world of evolving threats, it's vital to secure the people and devices that connect to the network. If a device is connected, it needs to be protected. Ensuring that organizations adopt an integrated platform approach to secure identity, devices, networks, applications, and data with a mix of point tools and integrated platforms will help businesses achieve security resilience while reducing complexity. Together, we can build a future where trust and security thrive, empowering individuals and organizations to embrace the limitless potential of the digital era".

Manish Sinha, CTO, PatSeer-

"Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding our digital landscapes, particularly within the legal domain, where a wealth of sensitive information resides. In an age where data related to ongoing research is the lifeblood of innovation-driven startups and companies, both legal professionals and digital service providers such as PatSeer, bear an immense responsibility to protect the confidentiality and integrity of their clients' intellectual assets. In this digital era, legal research is not merely confined to law libraries and courtrooms; it is increasingly conducted on the World Wide Web, making it more vulnerable than ever to cyber threats. As the Chief Technology Officer of PatSeer, I encourage our legal colleagues to recognize the significant role they play in maintaining trust and safeguarding client data. By embracing cyber security awareness, legal professionals can equip themselves with the knowledge and tools needed to fortify their cyber defences. In the field of online patent research and analysis, where PatSeer excels, we remain committed to providing a secure platform that our users can rely on. Towards this, we have obtained the SOC2 Type 2 certification for PatSeer thereby maintaining one of the highest security standards set for SaaS-based platforms. Commitment to high-quality security and data protection is our main priority. We intend to continue investing in this area to ensure that we maintain our customers' trust".

Bijo Chacko, Vice President, Head of Cloud & Infrastructure Delivery-

"As we celebrate Cyber Security Awareness Month 2023 with the theme 'Cyber Safety Starts With YOU,' we aim to draw focus towards the immense power of individuals in the realm of digital security. In this era of interconnectivity, our online choices shape our personal cybersecurity and have a ripple effect across the digital network, impacting the collective safety of the online world. At Visionet, we believe that every click, every password, and every vigilant moment matters. Empowerment starts with awareness. Simple cybersecurity practices like strong password management, cautious email handling, keeping personal and official devices up-to-date, and responsible online behaviour have a profound impact. They not only protect our data but also fortify the digital defences of organizations and society. An individual's commitment to cyber safety resonates across the digital landscape. Actions in maintaining cyber hygiene, reporting suspicious activities, and staying informed about evolving threats form the foundation of a secure online world. This year’s theme, 'Cyber Safety Starts with YOU' is more than a theme; it's a call to action. It reminds everyone that each person is a catalyst for change in the cybersecurity realm. As society navigates the digital age, let these actions light the path for others toward a more secure and resilient cyberspace. This October, people should unite to protect, educate, and empower. Together, they will make a lasting impact".

Venkatesh Subramaniam, Cybersecurity & Privacy Head, Mindsprint-

"As we observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we must acknowledge that cybersecurity in today’s dynamic threat landscape is a business enabler and an important brand differentiator. In this digital age, we stand at a critical juncture where new-age technologies like AI, IoT, and Cloud increasingly fuel innovation in every vertical. An integrated security-by-design approach ensures we can take advantage of the benefits of these technologies without getting blind slighted on the risks. The recent passage of the Data Protection Bill 2023 in India is a transformative measure towards cybersecurity and data protection. It serves as a reminder that security and privacy are both an opportunity and our collective responsibility toward creating a cyber-resilient world and protecting information. At an organizational level, we must ensure frictionless security that users can easily adopt and promote cybersecurity education to empower our users and customers to stay vigilant. By prioritizing cybersecurity and fostering a culture of awareness, we can safeguard our digital ecosystems, mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats, and help meet business objectives".

Madhusudan Krishnapuram, Vice President of Engineering & Managing Director, India, GoTo-

"In today’s interconnected world, it is important to recognize the role that cybersecurity plays in ensuring that our interactions and our data remain protected. Cybersecurity is a shared effort that extends beyond the realm of IT experts to every employee within an organization. India’s Data Protection Bill 2023 is a significant stride in this direction that introduces robust regulations and standards for data handling and protection in an effort to make digital ecosystems safer. Cybersecurity Month spotlights the significant role of IT teams as the backbone of our digital ecosystems. It is imperative for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity awareness and invest in cybersecure technologies such as Zero Trust Network Architecture, Multi-Factor Authentication, and secure VPNs. Fostering a cybersecurity culture begins with simplification, empowering security and IT leaders to navigate the digital defence landscape with the right tools. Through IT tools that offer multi-layer security to address today’s dynamic threat landscape, we can strive to build a secure and resilient world, where data is safeguarded, privacy is respected, and trust is fortified".