AIZAWL: In a bid to bolster cybersecurity resilience among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the US Consulate General Kolkata orchestrated a comprehensive workshop in Aizwal recently.
The initiative aimed to empower entrepreneurs, particularly women, with the requisite knowledge and practical skills to identify and combat cybersecurity threats effectively.
More than 40 entrepreneurs, including over 30 women participants, actively engaged in the day-long workshop, underscoring the growing recognition of the imperative need for cybersecurity measures in today’s digital landscape.
It was organised in association with CUTS International, C-DAC, and STPI Aizwal.
The US Consulate General Kolkata’s support for the initiative across East and Northeast underscores its commitment to mitigating cyber threats, especially for businesses led by women entrepreneurs.
Nikhil Kumar Rai, Additional Director & Officer-in-charge of STPI Aizawl, highlighted the critical need to bridge the gender gap in technology entrepreneurship.
He highlighted the lack of awareness among women regarding the opportunities and threats in the information technology sector, expressing gratitude towards the organisers for their efforts in raising awareness and providing essential training.
Diwakar, A.D-II (I/C) of MSME-DFO Aizawl, underscored cybersecurity as a paramount challenge faced by MSMEs globally.
He stressed the importance of equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks, while also encouraging them to explore government schemes such as the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Program (PMEGP).
Sumanta Biswas, Senior Programme Officer at CUTS International, stressed on the accelerated adoption of digital technologies amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also cautioned against the vulnerabilities that arise when MSMEs transition online without adequate cybersecurity measures.
The workshop, he said, aimed to furnish entrepreneurs with a fundamental understanding of cyber threats and effective countermeasures, potentially reducing cyber-attack vulnerabilities by up to 70%.
Key trainers Jai Singh and Shivansh Raghuvanshi from C-DAC Patna spearheaded the workshop, providing participants with hands-on training and insights into cybersecurity best practices.
