Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal inaugurated the Computer Security Incident Response Team – Power (CSIRT–POWER) facility today in New Delhi. The facility is located at the Northern Regional Power Committee, Qutab Institutional Area, and marks a major step in safeguarding India’s power infrastructure from cyber threats.
Protecting India’s Power Infrastructure
During the event, Shri Manohar Lal emphasized that the CSIRT-Power facility is vital for protecting the country’s critical power infrastructure. He explained that today’s threats are different from the past, with cyberattacks becoming a major concern. These attacks can cause serious disruptions, affecting the entire nation. The power sector, being essential for the country, is a key target for such attacks.
A Cyber Defense Fortress
The Union Minister described the CSIRT-Power facility as more than just a security center—it’s a fortress built to defend India’s power systems from the ever-changing world of cyber threats. This facility is a proactive measure to address the growing risks faced by the power sector due to its digital transformation.
Rising Cyber Threats to the Power Sector
The power sector is facing increased cyber threats, especially from state-sponsored hackers with advanced capabilities. Many existing Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) lack the resources, legal authority, and skilled professionals to respond effectively to these challenges. As the power sector becomes more digital, the risks of cyberattacks also increase, making it more vulnerable.
National Cyber Security Policy
In line with the National Cyber Security Policy of 2013, the Ministry of Power initiated the creation of CSIRT-Power as part of its 100-day initiatives. Working closely with CERT-In, this new team is now fully equipped with advanced technology, cybersecurity tools, and expert personnel to deal with emerging threats.
Objectives of CSIRT-Power
The primary goal of CSIRT-Power is to strengthen the cybersecurity resilience of India’s power sector. The team will focus on several key areas, including:
- Responding to and preventing cybersecurity incidents within the power sector.
- Coordinating a quick and effective response to cyber threats.
- Collecting and sharing information about power sector-specific threats.
- Implementing cybersecurity awareness programs and improving security measures.
- Promoting best practices and security policies for the power sector.
- Providing expert cybersecurity advice and assistance to power utilities.
- Enhancing the power sector’s security through training and capacity building.
- Encouraging collaboration among all stakeholders to boost collective cybersecurity efforts.
A Collaborative Effort for Stronger Cybersecurity
CSIRT-Power aims to build a coordinated approach to cyber defense by working with educational institutions, industry partners, and various stakeholders. By promoting cybersecurity best practices and conducting regular incident response drills, the team will help improve the sector’s overall preparedness.
This new facility is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and resilience of India’s power infrastructure, helping protect against the growing threat of cyberattacks.
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