India’s fast-growing cybersecurity ecosystem, fuelled by over 400 startups and a workforce exceeding 6.5 lakh professionals, has propelled the sector’s value to nearly $20 billion, according to Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Speaking during an interactive session with visiting journalists from European Union (EU) countries, Dr. Bahl highlighted how Indian startups are developing cutting-edge technologies in cyber forensics, threat detection, and AI-driven security systems, contributing to a safer and more resilient digital landscape.
He described artificial intelligence as a “double-edged sword,” empowering both defenders and attackers in cyberspace. Dr. Bahl explained that CERT-In employs AI-based analytics and automation to monitor, detect, and mitigate threats in real time, while also designing defences against malicious AI-enabled attacks.
The session focused on CERT-In’s core responsibilities, including crisis management, vulnerability analysis, coordinated incident response, and information dissemination.
Dr. Bahl emphasised that the agency issues timely alerts and advisories tailored to both organisations and citizens, enabling early response to cyber threats without triggering unnecessary alarm.
According to the IT Ministry, the visiting delegation was briefed on CERT-In’s capacity-building efforts, regular cybersecurity drills, and global partnerships, including collaboration with France’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI).
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India recorded 147 ransomware incidents in 2024, Dr. Bahl revealed, noting that CERT-In’s real-time intelligence sharing and forensic interventions helped significantly reduce their impact.
The discussion also touched on CERT-In’s initiatives such as auditor empanelment, training programmes, and policy support for startups creating indigenous cybersecurity solutions.
Through its research partnerships, public-private collaborations, and engagement with international platforms, Dr. Bahl said India continues to strengthen its cyber defence framework in line with the Digital India vision — positioning the country as a trusted global leader in cybersecurity innovation.
