Cyber Security Workshop: A collaborative initiative by Indian Army, NIC Ladakh and Ladakh Police in the UT of Ladakh
Leh, October 25, 2024: A comprehensive Cyber Security Workshop was conducted at the Ladakh State Data Centre, Leh by The Indian Army (Fire and Fury Signallers) in collaboration with NIC Ladakh, Ladakh Police and the IT Department, UT Ladakh to observe the National Cyber Security Awareness month. The workshop aimed to enhance understanding of critical issues surrounding Data Centre management, data protection, and emerging cyber threats. This workshop provided an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and strategies which was a joint initiative of the Commanding Officer, Signal Regiment of the Indian Army and State Informatics Officer, NIC Ladakh UT.
The event began with a warm welcome from the Commanding Officer, Sh Vijay Sharma, Signal Regiment of Indian Army, to all the speakers from NIC Ladakh, Ladakh Police, and participants from LSDC and IT department Ladakh. The CO then provided an overview of their army Data Center handling and management, what all technologies, architecture and infrastructure is implemented at their Data Centre emphasizing best practices for maintaining secure and efficient data centers. He talked about the significance of physical security including access controls and environmental monitoring, as well as the importance of regular audits and updates to ensure compliance with industry standards.
Director(IT), NIC Ladakh, Shri Punchok Paldan addressed the critical topic of data protection. Participants were introduced to various frameworks and regulations governing data privacy. He commended the Indian Army for initiating this event for the first time in the UT, recognizing it as a valuable platform for sharing best practices and strategies. He expressed desire for similar events or workshops to be held in the UT to enhance awareness among officials and citizens about emerging cyber threats, ultimately ensuring better protection for individuals and organizations alike.
Following this, team from NIC Ladakh UT, Ms. Stanzein Sedol, Scientist-B and Sh. Showkat Ali, Scientist-B focused on the emerging cyber threats, key components of cyber security and their implications for organizations. The latest trends in cyber threats, including ransomware attacks, phishing scams and advanced persistent threats (APTs) among others emerging threats have been elaborated. Through real-world case studies, participants gained insights into how these threats manifest and the significant impacts they can have on an individual as well as in an organization. This segment served to raise awareness about the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the necessity for organizations to stay vigilant and adaptive in their security practices.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (IT), Sh. Asif Mustafa along with his team, provided valuable insights into the latest cyber-attacks and emerging threats currently faced by citizens in the UT, supported by real case studies. They highlighted how attackers are increasingly targeting individuals for monetary gain, with numerous cases reported daily involving such crimes. The team discussed various tactics and techniques that cyber criminals employ to deceive and manipulate victims. These malicious strategies are often designed to exploit vulnerabilities and instill fear, leading victims to unwittingly provide sensitive information or financial resources. The DSP emphasized the need for heightened awareness and education to equip individuals with the knowledge to recognize and counter these threats effectively.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks from Brigadier, Sh. A.S Bains, Signal Regiment who expressed his appreciation for the efforts of all stakeholders involved in organizing this valuable and informative event. He commended the insights provided by each speaker, which raised awareness among participants about emerging threats and shared best practices followed by various organizations. He acknowledged the NIC team for their extensive knowledge on cyber threats and countermeasures, emphasizing the urgent need for such information in today’s landscape. Additionally, he praised the Ladakh Police team for sharing interesting cases from the region, which further highlighted the importance of awareness regarding these incidents. Lastly, he recognized the efforts of the LSDC team and the IT Department for their participation in the workshop and their contributions to its success.