AGARTALA: In an initiative to bolster cybersecurity awareness among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the US Consulate General Kolkata collaborated with CUTS International and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to host a day-long workshop in Agartala.
The workshop was designed to empower participants, predominantly women entrepreneurs from over 50 enterprises, with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify, combat, and mitigate cybersecurity threats, fostering a cyber-resilient environment.
The US Consulate General Kolkata has actively supported such initiatives across East and the Northeast. The primary goal is to assist the region, especially women-led small businesses, in confronting the escalating menace of cyber-crimes.
During the inaugural address, Juan Clar, Deputy Director of the American Center and Assistant Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate General Kolkata, stressed the growing challenges of cybersecurity in the 21st century.
He noted, “Cybersecurity is paramount. Entrepreneurs must be adept at recognising and alleviating cybersecurity risks, and we hope this workshop equips them with the right tools.”
Highlighting the strengthening strategic partnership between the US and India, he expressed gratitude to CUTS for organising the workshop and thanked the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Tripura, for their support in outreach.
Subhas Chandra Das, Additional Director, Department of Industries and Commerce, recognised the timeliness of the workshop. He passionately urged participants to disseminate the insights and learnings from the workshop within their communities. Echoing the sentiment, he expressed a desire for more such events, emphasizing the need to create broader awareness of cyber threats.
Arnab Ganguly, Associate Director of CUTS International, pointed out the rapid digital adoption spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. With many MSMEs transitioning online without adequate cyber safeguards, their susceptibility to cyber-attacks has grown. “The workshop aims to acquaint entrepreneurs with potential cyber threats and their mitigation strategies,” Ganguly commented, believing the training could potentially thwart up to 70% of cyber-attacks.
Saket Kumar Jha and Jai Bhagwan Singh, both from C-DAC, Patna, served as the lead trainers, providing attendees with hands-on training and insights into the cybersecurity landscape.
