‘Not prioritising cyber security can bring vulnerability to SME sector’

April 5, 2024 16 Views No Comment

Workshop on cybersecurity for MSMEs and women entrepreneurs in Kohima

Morung Express news
Kohima | April 5

Abhishek Mishra, Additional Director, Software Technology Park of India (STPI), Government of India opined that with Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) growing in the country and were adapting to digital platform in recent times. Mishra said however, currently, cyber security is the lowest priority for SMEs and that can bring vulnerability to the entire ecosystem of the SME sector.

He was speaking at the workshop on a cyber safe east India on cyber security for MSMEs and women entrepreneurs (Phase-3) held in Kohima today.

The US Consulate General Kolkata and CUTS International, in collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and YouthNet Incubation Centre (YIC), organised the daylong workshop today, for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and women entrepreneurs to equip them with knowledge and hands-on training on how to identify and combat cybersecurity threats and become cyber-resilient.

Mishra said while the internet was very fast and efficient today, so are cyber threats to mete threats. In this regard, he asked the participants to attentively attend the workshop and benefit from it.

Speaking about the growth in IT sector, Mishra said that today the IT companies have grown to export 5 lakh crore dollar through STPI. STPI is supporting IT and has prioritized industrial growth by investing in them. He lamented that unfortunately, contribution from Nagaland till date has been zero.

“Software export earns huge foreign currency in the country and STPI has grown over the years in 68 locations in the country especially in metropolitan cities,” he opined.

In each of the 8 NE states, he said STPI offices with centre of entrepreneurship and investment have been set up in recent years for the people of the northeastern states. He called for support of the entrepreneurs and net, adding that good network connectivity is required for them.

“We are trying to connect you from outside the state or country to build the network,” Mishra said.

He spoke about the important role of MSMEs in contributing to the economy, and therefore without IT support, it was impossible to survive today.

Deputy Director of American Center and Assistant Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate General Kolkata, Juan Clar said Cyber Security is one of the top challenges that countries, companies and individuals face in the twenty first century.

He said it is very important that entrepreneurs of all backgrounds know how to identify and mitigate cyber-security risk. Clar further added that US and India have become closer strategic partners in many areas and cyber security is one of them.

Earlier, the opening remarks was given by Nuneseno Chase, Director, YouthNet, Nagaland and CUTS International, Senior Programme Officer, Sumanta Biswas and representatives from Industries and commerce department spoke at the programme.

The technical sessions were conducted by resource persons from Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, India, (C-DAC), Patna, Saket Kumar, Sc D and Sonal Priya Kamal, Knowledge Associate and OSD (R&D). During the workshop, cyber awareness poll were undertaken and participants were acquainted cyber space, cyber security, major cyber threats, and key cyber security challenges for MSMEs and women entrepreneurs’ governance regulatory and business organisational structure among others.