In a significant step to secure India's power infrastructure, Union Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the Computer Security Incident Response Team – Power (CSIRT-Power) at the Northern Regional Power Committee in New Delhi. This initiative addresses the rising threat of cyberattacks targeting the power sector, a critical part of the nation's infrastructure.

During the event, Lal emphasised the growing risks posed by cyberattacks, stating, "Cyber threats today can cause serious disruptions with far-reaching impacts. CSIRT-Power is our proactive measure to protect our power systems from these evolving threats."

The launch of CSIRT-Power comes at a crucial moment as the power sector undergoes digital transformation, increasing vulnerabilities. Previous Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) lacked the necessary legal mandates, resources, and expertise to counter sophisticated cyber threats. CSIRT-Power aims to bridge this gap by offering a specialised response.

As part of the National Cyber Security Policy 2013, the Ministry of Power collaborated with CERT-In to develop CSIRT-Power under a 100-day action plan. The facility is equipped with advanced cybersecurity tools to coordinate incident responses, fortify the sector's cybersecurity framework, and boost overall resilience.

Lal further described CSIRT-Power as "a fortress built to safeguard our power systems from the ever-changing landscape of cyber threats." The center will act as the power sector’s cybersecurity hub, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to incidents, while also enhancing resilience through threat analysis, awareness programs, and proactive cybersecurity measures.

(ET)