India is fast becoming a global leader in cybersecurity, driven by more than 400 startups and a workforce of over 6.5 lakh skilled professionals. Together, they are shaping a 20 billion dollar cybersecurity industry, according to Dr Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In and Controller of Certifying Authorities at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. He said these innovators are developing advanced solutions in threat detection, cyber forensics, and artificial intelligence based monitoring systems, strengthening India’s digital resilience.
Speaking during an interactive session with visiting journalists from European Union countries, Dr Bahl explained that artificial intelligence acts as a double edged sword, supporting both defenders and attackers. He highlighted how CERT-In uses AI driven analytics and automation to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber incidents in real time, while also designing countermeasures against malicious AI powered attacks.
The session discussed the key roles of CERT-In in crisis management, vulnerability assessment, information sharing, and coordinated responses to cyber threats. Dr Bahl noted that the organisation issues timely alerts and advisories to organisations and citizens about emerging risks, ensuring awareness and protection without causing panic.
According to the IT Ministry, the visiting journalists were briefed about CERT-In’s ongoing cyber drills, capacity building programmes, and international partnerships, including collaboration with France’s National Cybersecurity Agency. Dr Bahl shared that India recorded 147 ransomware incidents in 2024, but CERT-In’s rapid actions and real time intelligence sharing helped minimise their impact through coordinated responses and forensic analysis.
The discussion also highlighted CERT-In’s efforts to support startups through empanelment of auditors, specialised training, and policy initiatives aimed at promoting indigenous cybersecurity innovation. The IT Ministry said that through research collaborations, public private partnerships, and participation in global cybersecurity forums, CERT-In continues to build a secure and trusted digital defence framework aligned with the Digital India vision.
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