In the fast-growing digital landscape of Udaipur, the need for strong cybersecurity measures has never been more urgent. With a rise in cyber threats and new data protection regulations, Udaipur’s businesses and government institutions are facing an increasing demand for robust cybersecurity solutions.
Recognizing this need, Aftab Saloda, a respected cybersecurity leader and SVP at Silverse, a leading cybersecurity firm based in Delhi, joined forces with Mazher Hussain, the Head of Udaipur’s National Informatics Centre (NIC), hosted an awareness session titled “Cybersecurity: A Critical Need for Udaipur’s Businesses and Governance” earlier this April. The session aimed to educate local participants about cybersecurity strategies and the recently introduced Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA).
The session attracted a wide range of participants, including government departments, private businesses, and IT professionals. This reflects the city’s growing digital presence and increasing interest in cybersecurity and data protection. The main focus of the event was to discuss “Cybersecurity & DPDPA – Challenges, Solutions & Compliance Strategies.”
Key Speakers
The event featured distinguished speakers, including Prashant Kumar Mittal, Deputy Director General (DDG) and Head of Group (HoG) for the Data Governance and Strategy Division at NIC, and Jitendra Kumar Verma, State Informatics Officer (SIO) and Scientist-F at NIC, Rajasthan.
Prashant Kumar Mittal is a visionary leader in data governance. He has played a key role in promoting data privacy and security across government platforms. His experience in advocating for DPDPA and sustainable digital frameworks helped guide the discussion. He provided valuable perspectives on how government departments can implement and comply with new regulations.
Jitendra Kumar Verma brought a practical perspective to the discussion, drawing from his leadership in transforming ICT projects across Rajasthan. His work with initiatives like IFMS and ePanjiyan has significantly enhanced government service efficiency and transparency. These initiatives have improved both the delivery and transparency of services in the government sector. His insights helped attendees understand how digital transformation can be aligned with cybersecurity practices.
Aftab Saloda, a seasoned cybersecurity expert from Silverse, emphasized Udaipur’s vision to become the Cybersecurity Capital of Rajasthan. He shared his experience helping local businesses build cyber resilience and comply with the DPDPA framework. Saloda stressed the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to secure Udaipur’s digital future.
Pawan Duggal, a well-known Supreme Court advocate, also provided his expertise on cyber law and the DPDPA. Duggal highlighted the penalties businesses could face for non-compliance, which could range from Rs 50 crore to Rs 250 crore. He emphasized that there would be no exceptions from the government, and businesses must take the law seriously.
Dr. Mazher Hussain, a highly respected IT professional and Senior Director (IT) at NIC, with over 27 years of experience in managing large-scale e-governance projects, also contributed significantly to the discussion. Dr. Hussain shared his valuable insights on government initiatives to drive DPDPA implementation and enforcement. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to secure Udaipur’s digital future.
Udaipur’s Cybersecurity Challenges
Udaipur’s growing presence in the tourism, IT, and finance sectors makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals. Cyberattacks on financial institutions, critical data, and business systems could have devastating consequences, affecting reputation, customer trust, and business operations. The Southern Rajasthan region, with Udaipur at its center, faces a rising risk of cyber threats, especially as more of the region’s business and tourism infrastructure becomes digitized.
To combat these risks, Aftab Saloda and Dr. Mazher Hussain have initiated a public-private partnership to spearhead a cybersecurity awareness campaign across Udaipur and Southern Rajasthan. The goal of this initiative is to educate businesses and government bodies about the importance of cybersecurity and the need for proactive measures to protect sensitive information.
Role of the DPDPA in Cybersecurity
A core topic of the session was the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), a new law by the Government of India designed to protect personal data in the digital era. This law places strict responsibility on businesses to implement strong data protection measures and comply with regulatory standards.
The session provided valuable insights into the key provisions of the DPDPA, as well as its compliance requirements. Cybersecurity experts and legal advisors shared actionable advice to help businesses navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. This helped attendees understand how to balance data protection with digital transformation efforts, ensuring compliance while embracing new technologies.
Building a Cyber-Resilient Future for Udaipur
This awareness session marks a pivotal step toward securing Udaipur’s digital ecosystem. By fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders, the initiative aims to empower local businesses and government agencies to adopt strong cybersecurity practices and ensure compliance with the DPDPA.
As Udaipur continues its journey toward digital transformation, the session underscored the importance of vigilance and preparation in countering the increasing risk of cyber threats. This event equipped participants with a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity challenges, solutions, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding digital assets.
By empowering local businesses and government entities with the necessary knowledge and resources, Udaipur is building a secure and resilient digital future, ensuring it remains a thriving hub for both business and tourism.
Also Read: India’s Struggle with Privacy and Transparency in the Digital Age