The government has initiated a groundbreaking Cyber Security Innovation Challenge (CSIC) 1.0 for students and researchers to tackle actual cyber issues, highlighting the sector as a legitimate career option and bolstering India's indigenous cyber resilience.

Launched under the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) project of MeitY, the initiative seeks to develop skilled professionals and establish cyber security as a viable career option while also promoting indigenous, product-oriented solutions.

S. Krishnan, IT Secretary, highlighted the importance of a dual approach to national cyber security - increasing awareness of new threats while enhancing technological strengths. He emphasized that CSIC 1.0 tackles both imperatives.

Krishnan stated that cyber security requires a 'whole-of-nation' strategy, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's idea of a 'whole-of-government' approach.

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Recognizing the collaborative involvement of MeitY, CERT-In, NSCS, AICTE, C-DAC, DSCI, and representatives from academia and industry, he emphasized the necessity of fostering successful ideas past the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) phase, establishing avenues for them to transform into scalable solutions through partnerships with startups and industry collaborators.

Vinayak Godse, CEO of the Data Security Council of India, presented an intriguing overview of the five-stage framework and detailed problem statements of CSIC 1.0, created after months of thorough discussions among DSCI, C-DAC, and the ISEA team.

He emphasized that this unique initiative allows students and researchers to create and cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets from the outset.

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Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, stated that the innovation challenge associated with the ISEA Project underscores our improved grasp of fundamental issues and equips us to develop transformative solutions.

The 10 specialized problem statements emphasize sectors that correspond with the country's cyber security demands and need new, creative ideas.

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Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In, emphasized ISEA's vital function in promoting innovation that transforms the approach from reactive defense to proactive security.