On Thursday, August 1, 2024, the Karnataka Cabinet approved the Karnataka New Cyber Security Policy 2023–24, a comprehensive initiative aimed at curbing the rise in cybercrimes and enhancing the state's digital infrastructure. This policy marks a significant step in safeguarding Karnataka’s cyberspace through advanced technological measures, strategic public-private partnerships, and robust skill-building programs.

Karnataka’s New Cyber Security Policy: A Strategic Approach

The Karnataka New Cyber Security Policy 2023–24 is a well-rounded response to the escalating cyber threats facing the state. Recognizing the critical need for a fortified cyber environment, the policy is designed to address various aspects of cyber security through a multifaceted approach.

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and Information Technology and Biotechnology, Priyank Kharge, highlighted the policy’s comprehensive nature during a lunch event. “The Government of Karnataka, recognizing the rising importance of cyber security, has meticulously crafted this policy to establish a resilient and secure cyberspace for our citizens and enterprises,” Kharge stated.

The policy is divided into two main sections. The first focuses on fostering a robust cyber security ecosystem involving the public, academia, businesses, start-ups, and government sectors. This section emphasizes creating a secure digital environment and promoting cyber resilience across various sectors. The second section is dedicated to strengthening the cyber security posture of the State’s IT assets, ensuring that internal IT implementations are well-protected against potential threats.

New Cyber Security Policy
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Key Areas of Focus in the New Cyber Security Policy

The Karnataka New Cyber Security Policy 2023–24 outlines several key areas of focus:

  1. Awareness and Education: The policy aims to elevate public awareness regarding cyber security. It includes initiatives for awareness campaigns targeting different demographics, including rural areas, and emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and cyber safety. These campaigns will be periodically organized by the State Government and urban local authorities.
  2. Skill Development and Industry Collaboration: A significant component of the policy involves skill-building and capacity enhancement. Partnering with CISCO, the state plans to train 40,000 individuals, with a special focus on empowering women in the tech sector. This collaboration underscores Karnataka’s commitment to bridging the skills gap in cyber security and fostering an inclusive digital workforce.
  3. Industry and Start-up Promotion: The policy also addresses the need for promoting cyber security within the industry and start-up ecosystem. By encouraging innovation and collaboration, Karnataka aims to strengthen its cyber security infrastructure and create a supportive environment for tech advancements.
  4. Public-Private Partnerships: The policy highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in building a resilient cyber security framework. Collaborations with key players, including technology giants and academic institutions, are central to the policy’s strategy.

In addition to these focal points, the policy includes provisions for enhancing IT security within state departments and government agencies. The policy will be implemented with the help of the newly established Rs 391 crore Center of Excellence for Aerospace and Defense at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), which will play a crucial role in advancing cyber security research and development.

Enhancing Data Protection and Addressing Emerging Challenges

According to Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil, the Karnataka New Cyber Security Policy will significantly improve public awareness about data protection. The rise in cybercrimes necessitates a proactive approach to data privacy, and the policy aims to address this by conducting periodic surveys and expanding its scope to cover issues such as fake news in the future.

The policy has been crafted with input from various stakeholders, including the Home Department, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (e-Governance), the Department of Electronics, IT, BT, and S&T, and other relevant government and private sector players. The Indian Institute of Science, which oversees the K-tech Center of Excellence for Cyber Security (CySecK), has also contributed to the policy’s development, ensuring that it aligns with the latest advancements in cyber security.

The Karnataka New Cyber Security Policy 2023–24 represents a significant advancement in the state’s efforts to combat cyber threats and protect its digital infrastructure. By focusing on awareness, skill development, industry collaboration, and public-private partnerships, the policy aims to create a secure and resilient cyber environment. As Karnataka moves forward with this comprehensive strategy, it sets a benchmark for other states and demonstrates a proactive approach to cyber security in the digital age.

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