“Cyber Vidya India” is an initiative of the Government of India aimed at increasing awareness about cyber (computer networks, internet, mobile etc.) threats and improving the security of information technology systems in the country. This initiative primarily focuses on the following: Enhancing the capabilities of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT officers in government departments. Educating citizens, especially school students, about cybercrime, cyber risks and security. Developing cyber security systems in collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Cyber Vidya Objective
The increased use of digital platforms has led to a surge in cybercrimes and cyber threats.
With this in mind, this initiative encourages people to adopt safe online behavior and encourages organizations to develop a secure technology infrastructure.
In particular, ensuring that both government and private systems are more prepared for cyberattacks, data breaches, and other digital threats.
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Mission to Secure Digital India
Launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in 2018, this initiative aims to instill a culture of cybersecurity among government institutions and officials.
The program is conducted by the National eGovernance Division (NeGD), which trains Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and IT officials of the central and state governments in the areas of cyberattacks, data security, and digital risk management.
“Digital trust is the backbone of a modern nation, and a cyber secure India strengthens that trust,” a senior NeGD official said during the 43rd CISO DeepDive Training Program in April 2024.
Main Components and Scope of Work
Awareness Promotion Unit: Educating people about cyber threats, safe behavior, reporting cybercrime, etc.
Teaching and Training Programs: Providing cybersecurity training in schools, colleges, and government departments. Such as training on “Cybercrime” in the NCERT program.
Collaborative Partnerships: Developing technical solutions and security infrastructure in collaboration with the IT industry, security companies, and government agencies.
Challenges of Cyber Vidya
Digital usage in India has grown rapidly, but many organizations are not fully prepared for cybersecurity.
The types and techniques of cybercrime are rapidly evolving, leaving regulations, policies, and technical preparedness lagging behind.
Why is it Important?
Today, the internet and digital devices are being used in almost every sector (banking, education, health, telecommunications) this is exposing information to the public, but also increasing risks.
Lack of security can lead to threats like online fraud, data theft, identity theft, and system failure.
This initiative ensures that both citizens and institutions participate safely in Digital India.
What You Can Do?
Keep secure passwords on your mobile and computer and change them frequently.
Be wary of unknown emails, links, and websites avoid phishing and other cyber frauds.
If you encounter cybercrime, file a complaint immediately.
Where possible, seek or recommend cybersecurity training within your organization.
Use the latest software updates and antivirus software to ensure the security of digital devices and networks.
Training Programs Are Available
This initiative is operated through the National e Governance Division (NeGD), which falls under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
There is a special program called the “CISO Deep Dive Training Programme,” which provides 5 day training to CISOs and frontline IT officers from various states/union territories.
For example, the 42nd batch held in February 2024 included participants from the following states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Such training batches are systematically conducted in states/UTs across the country to help local government departments, banks, public sector undertakings, etc., enhance their cybersecurity capabilities.
Major Activities in States/UTs
Examples of this initiative or related awareness/training programs have also emerged in some states:
Chhattisgarh: The state government has launched a cybersecurity awareness campaign, spreading awareness about online fraud through a “Cyber Security Awareness Van” in all districts.
Bihar: The police here have initiated training programs and technological upgrading to strengthen cybersecurity and technological preparedness.
Arunachal Pradesh: An MoU has been signed with the NIIT Foundation to provide cybersecurity skills to rural youth which will run a program called “Cyber Security Plus” in rural training centers.
As India’s digital transformation accelerates through platforms like UPI, Aadhaar, and Digital India, the country faces an equally rapid surge in cyber threats. In this evolving landscape, the Government of India’s Cyber Surakshit Bharat (Cyber Secure India) initiative has quietly emerged as a cornerstone of the nation’s cyber defence framework building skills, spreading awareness, and strengthening institutional resilience across the country.
Training the Guardians of India’s Cyber Frontier
The core of the initiative is the CISO Deep Dive Training Programme, a five day intensive course on cyber governance, incident management, and digital risk assessment. Conducted in partnership with industry experts, the training brings together participants from both central and state governments.
Since its inception, the program has completed 45 batches, training more than 1,600 officers across India’s ministries, departments, and state agencies.
Highlights from the initiative include:
| Batch | Period | Participating States/UTs | Approx. Trained Officers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34th Batch (up to Feb 2023) | Pan India | Central & State Ministries | 1,375+ |
| 36th Batch (May 2023) | Pan India | Central & State Ministries | 1,419+ |
| 41st Batch (Jan 2024) | Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, MP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Odisha, West Bengal | 1,548+ | |
| 43rd Batch (Apr 2024) | Assam, J&K, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, UP, MP, Maharashtra, Delhi | 1,604+ | |
| 45th Batch (Jun 2024) | Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, MP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, TN, Telangana, WB | Data Not Released |
(Source: Government ET, MeitY, CIO Axis, Communication Today)
Why is This Initiative Important?
India today has nearly 900 million internet users and is one of the world’s fastest growing digital economies. Cybersecurity is as crucial to the country’s economic and social stability as protecting its physical borders.
Cyber Safe India is not just a training program, but a visionary initiative making a real difference in making Digital India safe and secure.
“A cyber secure India is a strong digital India,” this sentence sums up the mission statement of MeitY, and the government is moving towards realizing this goal through each trained officer.