Guwahati: CUTS International successfully organised a mega ‘Cybersecurity Capacity-Building’ event for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on December 12 in Guwahati under the APAC Cybersecurity Fund (ACF) led by The Asia Foundation, with support from Google.org.
The programme marks a significant milestone in strengthening digital resilience among MSMEs in India. More than 300 MSMEs, representing diverse businesses from different parts of Kamrup Metro district took part in it, with about 50 per cent women’s participation.
The initiative is part of a wider cybersecurity capacity-building programme being implemented by CUTS across ten Indian states between 2024 and 2026.
In Assam, it is being delivered under Advantage Assam 2.0 following an MoU between CUTS International and the Department of Industries & Commerce. To date, CUTS has organised workshops across 25 districts in Assam, equipping more than 3,000 MSMEs with practical knowledge on cyber hygiene, risk mitigation, and safe digital practices.
In his opening remarks, Bipul Chattopadhyay, Executive Director, CUTS International, highlighted the rapidly expanding cyberspace landscape and the increasing dependence on digital tools. He noted that while large organisations may be able to absorb the financial impact of cyberattacks, MSMEs do not have such capacity. He added that, going forward, CUTS International will seek deeper collaboration with state governments to broaden outreach and support more MSMEs across the country.
Welcoming the participants, Nandita Baruah, Country Representative, The Asia Foundation, expressed her gratitude to the dignitaries and emphasised that while a huge number of MSMEs operate across India, those in the Northeast hold a special place as they carry a unique legacy.
She highlighted the urgency of empowering MSMEs at a time when AI-driven fraud and pattern theft are eroding business credibility. She urged MSMEs, especially in the Northeast, to claim their rights and protect their businesses in this rapidly evolving digital era.
Speaking on the occasion, Manju Rani Gogoi Talukdar, Joint Director-cum-President, Commissioner of Industries & Commerce, Assam, discussed emerging cyber risks, including phishing attempts and malicious links that frequently target small businesses. She underscored the importance of adopting strong data-protection practices to safeguard sensitive business information in today’s digital-first environment.
According to Umesh Kumar, General Manager, DICC Kamrup Metro District, highlighted how the growing adoption of digital tools has increased the vulnerability of MSMEs to cyber threats. He underlined the need for sustained awareness, continuous training, and proactive security measures to ensure safer digital operations for small enterprises.
Subimal Bhattacharjee, Independent Expert and Advisor on Cyber Security, spoke about the expanding use of technology, UPI payments, and the critical role of digital literacy in empowering citizens. He stressed the importance of strong, secure passwords to minimise risks and warned that data mining can lead to password cracking.
He urged participants to immediately call 1930 and the National Cybercrime Helpline in case of any cyberattack or financial fraud.
The event featured an interactive technical training session covering the ABCD of cybersecurity, including password hygiene, software security, IT asset management, and phishing detection, the importance of regular data backups and software updates, and practical techniques for identifying, assessing, and mitigating cyber threats.
Participants also completed pre- and post-training assessments to benchmark their cybersecurity awareness, and certificates were awarded.
The event consolidated insights from district-level workshops and set the direction for the next phase of cybersecurity preparedness in Assam and other states. With cybercrime cases rising sharply, discussions reinforced the need for collaboration among the government, civil society, and business to build a secure digital ecosystem for MSMEs
