Guwahati: Cybersecurity experts at a national conference in Guwahati warned that modern warfare is increasingly being fought on digital fronts, stressing the urgent need for India to bolster its cyber defence capabilities, tools and workforce.
Speaking at the second conference on ‘Cyber Security, Digital Forensics and Intelligence’ organised by NIELIT at Gauhati University, experts emphasised that digital forensics has become crucial for military preparedness.
Brigadier (Retd.) Vivek Verma of the United Service Institution of India said India’s target of creating 500,000 cybersecurity professionals in five years is “insufficient”, urging integration of cybersecurity studies into schools, military academies and the creation of a specialised cyber services cadre.
He also highlighted global disparities: “China invests USD 1.8 billion annually in military AI, the US has Project Maven, while India invests just USD 50 million.”
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At the valedictory session, NIELIT Director General MM Tripathi stressed that in an “AI vs AI world”, skilled manpower is a national security asset. He called for optimal use of labs, high-end skilling programmes and Indian certification systems.
The two-day event, held in collaboration with Assam Police and Gauhati University, saw participation from over 30 speakers and 300 delegates. NIELIT also signed MoUs with Pragjyotispur University, Girijananda Choudhury University and KKHSOU to introduce advanced IT and cyber skilling courses.
