| |AUGUST 202619security directly into the hardware through silicon-level protection and robust authentication mechanisms.By securing data at its source, any potential leakage can be prevented at the edge before it reaches the network. This approach is particularly critical for IoT devices, where vast amounts of sensitive data are generated and transmitted. As connected ecosystems continue to expand, hardware-level security is emerging as a fundamental pillar of cybersecurity, ensuring stronger data protection and a more resilient digital infrastructure.What role does hardware-level security play in protecting surveillance infrastructure from cyberattacks?Any data generated by hardware devices such as a microphone is ultimately transmitted over the network. That makes it essential to secure the data at the very first stage rather than relying solely on network-level protection. This is the approach we are taking by embedding security directly into our System-on-Chip (SoC). Instead of waiting until the data reaches the network, we implement security measures at the source, ensuring that sensitive information is protected from the moment it is created.This hardware-level security significantly reduces the risk of data leakage and strengthens the overall security framework.How can expanding STQC certification to consumer electronics strengthen India's cybersecurity ecosystem?Surveillance is undoubtedly essential for highly secure environments such as government offices and other critical infrastructure. The Standardization Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) framework has established strong security standards for these sectors, but similar protections are not yet widely applied to consumer devices used in homes and small businesses.If trusted, India-designed chips with STQC certification are available at a cost comparable to conventional chips, there is little reason not to adopt them. Even if such chips cost slightly more, the added investment is justified considering the importance of protecting sensitive data and ensuring privacy. Homes today contain connected devices used by children, elderly family members, and others, making robust hardware security increasingly important.Beyond surveillance devices, the government should also focus on securing critical digital infrastructure such as Wi-Fi routers and 5G networks. These systems carry sensitive information, including banking credentials and personal data, making them attractive targets for cyberattacks.Expanding security certification requirements beyond government installations to include residential devices, commercial establishments, and communication infrastructure would significantly strengthen the country's overall cybersecurity ecosystem. Unlike the traditional semiconductor model--where vendors develop a System-on-Chip (SoC) and ask customers to either adopt it or seek alternatives--we have chosen a customer-centric approachHow can locally designed semiconductor solutions reduce dependence on foreign technology and strengthen trust in critical surveillance infrastructure?The Indian government has made significant progress in strengthening the country's semiconductor ecosystem. While India has developed strong capabilities in secure software design and chip development, building a complete domestic semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem will take time. Initiatives such as the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, backed by substantial government investment, are expected to accelerate this transition, but establishing foundries and advancing to leading-edge process nodes is a long-term effort.Until India achieves full-scale manufacturing capabilities, collaborating with trusted partner nations will remain essential. Countries such as Singapore, which share a strong strategic relationship with India, play an important role in supporting the semiconductor ecosystem.Ongoing initiatives like the India­Singapore semiconductor partnership have helped strengthen
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