The Two-Day Conclave on Cyber Security, SHIELD 2025, successfully concluded at HICC, Hyderabad, on February 19, 2025. Organized by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) in collaboration with Cyberabad Police and the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC), the event served as a significant milestone in addressing cybersecurity challenges and promoting innovative solutions.
Empowering Digital Security: Key Takeaways
SHIELD 2025 aimed to fortify India’s cyber resilience, emphasizing awareness, innovation, and collaborative efforts among key stakeholders. The event brought together law enforcement officials, industry experts, policymakers, and academia to discuss emerging cyber threats and strategies to combat them effectively.
Jayesh Ranjan’s Insights on Cybersecurity
Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments, Telangana Government, emphasized the importance of two-factor authentication (2FA) in securing digital transactions. He highlighted how digital transformation, accelerated by events like demonetization in 2016 and the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to a rise in cyber threats.
He urged enterprises and startups to prioritize cybersecurity, dismissing the notion that it is only a concern for large corporations. He further stressed that startups, being the backbone of India’s economy, are equally vulnerable to cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and data breaches.
Government’s Commitment to Cyber Protection
The Telangana government has taken proactive measures to protect its digital assets through its Security Operations Centre (SOC). Established in 2017, SOC has successfully shielded government assets from cyber threats without any significant security breach in recent years. Telangana Police’s expertise in solving complex cybercrime cases has further solidified the state’s reputation as a leader in cybersecurity.
Jayesh Ranjan also commended SHIELD 2025 for its partnerships with esteemed institutions like IIT Hyderabad, ISB, and NALSAR. He suggested additional collaborations with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (CCoE) to further enhance cybersecurity capabilities.
Key Discussions and Announcements
1. AI and Cybersecurity:
The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity was a focal point of discussions. Telangana has been at the forefront of AI adoption, with a ten-year roadmap to integrate AI-driven security solutions.
2. Cybercrime Awareness and Law Enforcement:
DGP Dr. Jitender, the guest of honor, emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling cyber frauds. Innocent individuals continue to lose money to online scams, highlighting the need for strong preventive measures. Telangana Cyber Security Bureau’s mission is to create a secure digital environment through unbiased and technologically advanced practices.
3. Launch of Cybersecurity Initiatives:
SHIELD 2025 saw the launch of key cybersecurity initiatives, including:
- Cyber Fusion Centre (CFC): A dedicated hub for tackling cyber threats.
- Child Protection Unit (CPU): Focused on safeguarding children from online exploitation.
- Security Operations Centre (SOC): Ensuring a resilient cyber ecosystem for Telangana.
Engaging Sessions and Immersive Experience
With over 1,000 delegates from 14 states, SHIELD 2025 featured engaging panel discussions, workshops, and an immersive Technology Experience Zone. Some of the key themes covered included:
- Ransomware and Cryptocurrency Threats
- Deepfake and Social Media Manipulation
- Cyber Resilience for MSMEs
- AI in Cyber Defense Strategies
- Internet-Based Scams and VOIP Fraud Prevention
The Road Ahead for Cybersecurity
As cyber threats continue to evolve, events like SHIELD 2025 play a crucial role in fostering awareness, strengthening law enforcement capabilities, and promoting cross-sector collaborations. The conclave underscored the need for mandatory cybersecurity training, robust AI governance, and strong data protection policies.
The Telangana government’s proactive approach, combined with industry and academic partnerships, sets a benchmark for cybersecurity preparedness in India. With continued efforts, SHIELD 2025 has paved the way for a more secure digital future.
The successful conclusion of SHIELD 2025 marks just the beginning of a broader mission to ensure cybersecurity remains a top priority for businesses, governments, and individuals alike. As cyber threats grow in complexity, so must our resilience and readiness to counter them effectively.
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